This year, it is especially important that Canadians get the flu shot for protection against the influenza (the flu). This will help our health care system to better manage the COVID crisis, if they don’t also have to care for a large number of patients with influenza.
While the flu shot will not protect against the COVID-19 virus, it will help to reduce the risk of being co-infected (having both COVID and the flu), which could lead to more serious complications.
All Canadians are encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu, especially those most at risk of complications.
It is important to note that COVID-19 and the flu can have similar symptoms. Flu symptoms vary from person to person and may include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, chills, fatigue, sore throat and/or runny/stuffy nose. If you start to develop any of these symptoms, follow the same precautions taken for COVID-19 which include staying home if you are sick and monitoring your symptoms, limiting your contact with others, and consulting your physician if necessary.
