Adrian Cotton, MD, chief of medical operations at Loma Linda University Health, says this year’s flu season has already led to an influx of questions from patients, especially since COVID-19 and the flu can bring similar symptoms.

“Physicians are already receiving questions about how we expect the flu season to look in the midst of the pandemic," Cotton says. "There's a lot we don't know yet, but we can look to the past flu seasons to learn more about what we can expect."

Q: When Should I Go To The Emergency Department If I Have The Flu?

A: You should only go to the emergency department if you are extremely sick, have a high fever, are short of breath and can't catch your breath, turning blue around your lips, and extremely confused. Otherwise, try to stay home and call your primary care doctor.

Q: What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu?

A: The main symptoms of the flu are having a fever, cough, being short of breath, having some muscle aches, and being fatigued.

Q: How Do I Tell If I Have The Flu Or Covid-19?

A: The symptoms of both influenza and COVID-19 are similar, but one of the symptoms that is frequently seen in COVID-19 but not in influenza is a change in or loss of sense of smell or taste. We should also be able to tell you if you have a cold, COVID-19, or influenza based on rapid testing available through your primary care doctor. 

Q: What Are The Side Effects Of The Flu Shot?

A: A little discomfort in your shoulder, but that's about it.

Q: Why Does The Flu Go Away In The Summer?

A: The flu is present year-round, but flu rates are higher in the winter due to people spending more time in closed spaces and closer to one another. 

Q: If I Got The Flu Shot Last Year, Do I Have To Get It Again?

A: The benefit of getting the flu vaccine annually is the protection you build up to the various strains of the virus. The vaccine isn’t 100% effective, but after getting it annually, you’ll have a degree of protection if there are similar strains in the following years.

Q: Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot If I've Had Coronavirus?

A: Absolutely, and we strongly recommend you get the flu shot if you had COVID-19 because your immune system is likely weaker.

Q: If I Get The Influenza Shot This Year, Will I Be Able To Get A Covid-19 Vaccine?

A: The current recommendation is, once a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, people wait at least 30 days in between getting the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine.

To learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your family during the flu season, visit our flu page at lluh.org/flu.