This year’s flu season is taking place at the same time as COVID-19. Don’t take any unnecessary risks with your health. Get the flu shot as early in the season as possible, as soon as it becomes available to you!

How to reduce getting and spreading the flu and COVID-19

The flu virus spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People can also get the flu by touching objects or surfaces with the virus on them and then their mouth or nose.

  • Get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Stay home and away from others if you feel sick.
  • Improve airflow in indoor and shared spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the bend of your arm.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are often touched.
  • Why is getting the flu shot important?
  • The flu shot reduces your chance of getting very sick, needing to go to hospital, and even dying. Older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people and people with health conditions can be at higher risk of getting very sick with the flu, so it is important they and others who spend time with them get the flu shot.  Getting a flu shot can help protect you from getting the flu and can reduce symptoms and can shorten the time you have the flu if you do get it.
  • People who become very sick with flu may need to go to the hospital, which places an extra burden on the hospitals and health care system.   Getting the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine will mean fewer people will need to go to the hospital.
  • The flu shot will not give you the flu.
  • Can I get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
  • Yes. You can get other vaccines, including the flu shot at the same time as, or at any time before or after the COVID-19 vaccine. You do not need to wait a certain number of days before or after getting the COVID-19 vaccine to get your flu shot.

Will a flu shot protect me against COVID-19?

No. Getting the flu shot will not protect you against COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different germs. You still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect you from COVID-19.

Both flu and COVID-19 are much more serious than a bad cold. Flu and COVID-19 can both make you very sick. Sometimes, people get so sick, they need to be in the hospital. Getting both vaccines will help keep people out of hospital.

Will the flu shot put me at greater risk of getting COVID-19?

No. Getting the flu shot will not increase your chance of getting COVID-19.

Getting a flu shot can help protect you from getting the flu and can reduce symptoms and can shorten the time you have the flu if you do get it.

 

What should I do if I feel sick with symptoms of flu, cold or COVID-19?

Flu, colds, and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. Colds will not make you as sick as the flu or COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 and flu can vary from person to person. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Some people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms, but they can still spread the infection to others.

If you feel sick, even with mild symptoms of flu or COVID-19, stay home from school, work and other activities. Test yourself for COVID-19 using a rapid test if you have access to a testing kit. Contact your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider to talk about your symptoms as needed.

If your symptoms are getting worse, even if your COVID-19 test is negative, contact your health care provider, an urgent care centre or the emergency room

When to get the flu shot

Flu season typically runs from late fall to early spring.

You should get a flu shot as soon as possible as it takes 2 weeks to take effect.

Individuals aged 6 months and over may receive a flu shot at the same time as, or at any time before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.

Talk to your health care provider or pharmacy to learn more.

Flu Facts https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts