How does COVID-19 compare to the flu? Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. Flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Both can spread from person to person.
Can you get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time?
Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.
How serious is COVID-19?
Does flu vaccination protect against COVID-19?
Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.