Health Tips and Symptom Checklists At a Glance
Fall and winter germs can bring lots of symptoms and lots of questions. We want you to feel better — and feel informed. Here, helpful flu season resources are all in one place. Whether you’re wondering if you have a cold or COVID-19, or want the top tips for managing the flu, we’re always here for your family with the information and expertise you need.
Is it COVID-19, Flu, Allergies, or a Cold?
Indications of COVID-19, the flu, the common cold and even seasonal allergies can be very similar. It’s important to not dismiss mild symptoms. Trust AdventHealth Centra Care to help you with the right diagnosis and treatment.
| Symptoms | Allergies | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Body Aches | ✔️ | Sometimes | ||
| Chills | Rarely | ✔️ | Sometimes | |
| Dry Cough | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fever | Rarely | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Headache | ✔️ | Rarely | ✔️ | Sometimes |
| Itchy Eyes | ✔️ | |||
| Lost of Taste/Smell | Sometimes | Rarely | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Nasal Congestion | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Rarely |
| Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | |
| Runny Nose | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Rarely |
| Sneezing | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes | ✔️ | ✔️ | Sometimes |
| Shortness of Breath | Sometimes | Rarely | ✔️ | Sometimes |
| Skin Rash/Discoloration | Sometimes |
What You Need to Know About This Flu Season and COVID-19
Medical experts are expecting flu infections to be widespread in 2021-22. Right now, it’s especially important to avoid the flu with COVID-19 so active in our communities.
Avoid Double Trouble
It is possible to have COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. Protecting yourself and your family from a serious respiratory illness is essential.
Stop it Before it Starts
- Vaccines are available to prevent both Flu and COVID-19.
- Centra Care offers flu shots for $30 at all locations.
- COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment only at select Centra Care locations with no out of pocket cost.
If You’re Feeling Sick:
- Flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar. Get tested, receive proper treatment and feel better faster.
- If you develop flu like symptoms, AdventHealth Centra Care has rapid COVID-19 and flu testing available onsite.
Three Steps to Avoid the Flu
Flu season is here, and flu infections are likely to tick upward soon. But you can take action to protect yourself and your family from this virus. And in the midst of COVID, it’s more important than ever to avoid contracting and spreading a serious respiratory illness.
Keep these flu-fighting tips in mind to protect your family this year.
- 1. Get Your Flu Shot
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Wearing a mask and other COVID safety measures are no substitute for getting your flu shot. The flu vaccine gets your body ready to fight the virus before you’ve been infected. So while you might still get the flu, your symptoms will likely be less severe and your recovery time shorter. If you have young children, older parents, or live with someone with chronic health issues, getting the flu shot protects them as well as you. So visit your local Centra Care for your flu vaccination today.
- 2. Wash Your Hands
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Soap and hand sanitizer are great tools for preventing the flu. Wash your hands often, scrubbing a full 30 seconds with soap. If soap and water aren’t available, reach for alcohol-based sanitizer or hand wipes. Remember the flu virus can live on surfaces for days, so it’s also a good idea to frequently clean and disinfect high-touch areas in your home. These may include doorknobs, sink faucets and knobs, light switches, phones, computer keyboards, table surfaces, kitchen and bathroom counters, TV and game controls, and toys.
- 3. Don’t Wait to See Your Doctor
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Antivirals can ramp up your body’s ability to fight back when you’ve come down with the flu. This medication is only available by prescription, and it’s most effective if taken early — within two days of getting sick. Even if started later, antivirals may ease your symptoms, so visit your neighborhood Centra Care as soon as you start to feel under the weather.
Learn more about flu season during COVID at FluAnswers.com.
Health and Hygiene Rules to Remember
- Tips to Stay Healthy This Flu Season
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- Avoid touching your face
- Boost your immune system with exercise
- Cover sneezes and coughs
- Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
- Get plenty of sleep
- Get your flu shot
- See your doctor for antiviral medication
- Wash your hands regularly
- Is it a Cold or the Flu?
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Cold Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Low Fever
- Muscle Aches
- Coughing and Sneezing
- Headache
Flu Symptoms
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle Aches and Chills
- Dry Cough
- Severe Headache and Eye Pain
- Coughing and Sneezing Best Practices
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- Move away from others
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue (use upper sleeve if necessary, rather than hands)
- Discard used tissue in trashcan
- Wash or sanitize hands immediately