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Last year, during the fall and winter seasons of our first year living with COVID-19, flu cases were exceptionally low. All evidence indicates this very unusual lull in flu activity was attributed to the social distancing and public masking policies in place to slow the pandemic.

This year, distancing and masking are still recommended in gathering places, but neither is mandated in many locations across the U.S. So, unfortunately, there’s a likelihood that with those mitigating measures relaxed, we will see a more typical flu season.

With the highly infectious delta variant of the COVID-19 virus causing an increase in COVID cases, infectious diseases experts are concerned about the risk of co-infection with both COVID and a strain of the influenza virus.

Infection from more than one virus at the same time is more common than we think. As adults, we don’t always get tested when we have viral symptoms, so we just assume it’s only one virus that’s causing our illness. But when children come home from daycare or pre-school with the sniffles, a respiratory panel often shows positive results for two or three distinct bugs.

Since the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, it’s possible to be infected with both at the same time. Either infection alone can cause serious illness, hospitalization and death, so having them together seriously increases the chance of serious conditions like pneumonia and respiratory failure.

The flu and COVID-19 are respiratory viruses, so they spread the same way – from person to person when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs and expels droplets into the air. The only difference in symptoms between the two infections seems to be the loss of taste or smell in COVID patients, which doesn’t always happen. Otherwise, fever, cough, fatigue, headache, sore throat and body aches are often experienced with both illnesses.

The only way to be sure whether you have one or the other is to get tested.

Fortunately, we have safe, effective vaccines for both the flu and COVID-19. COVID vaccines are available to everyone age 12 and older, and it’s recommended that everyone gets vaccinated regardless of whether they’ve already had COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as it does yearly, recommends everyone age 6 months and older gets a flu shot.

Both vaccines are proven to decrease severe illness, hospitalizations and death, and those who are eligible should get both, because one vaccine does not protect from both viruses. Mid-September to October, which precedes flu season, is the ideal time to get your flu shot, and experts recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. According to the CDC, no waiting period is necessary between COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines.

And beyond getting vaccinated, you can always take these steps to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use hand sanitizer when handwashing isn’t an option.

• Wear a face mask and follow physical distancing guidelines in public.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you’ve washed your hands.

• Avoid crowds and close contact with those who are sick.

Please don’t fall prey to the misinformation that’s out there. Flu vaccination is important and safe … Covid vaccination is IMPERATIVE if we are to get back to our lives.

Dr. Alfred Casale, a cardiothoracic surgeon, is chief medical officer for surgical services for Geisinger and chair of the Geisinger Heart Institute. Readers may write to him via [email protected].