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Staying healthy through COVID-19, influenza season

Female military member administering vaccine to patient.

With COVID-19 still in full swing it’s easy to forget that Influenza season is fast approaching. This year more than ever it is important to get vaccinated to protect your family and your loved ones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cambrin Bassett)

With COVID-19 still in full swing it’s easy to forget that influenza season is fast approaching. With the current COVID-19 surge, healthcare workers continue to be spread thin and there are less resources available to patients. This year, more than ever, it is important to get vaccinated to protect you, your family and your loved ones.  

Information on the current COVID-19 Surge

  • Hospitals nationwide are facing a shortage of ICU beds and Oxygen
  • Majority of those hospitalized were not immunized
  • Pfizer’s fully FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine is available at multiple locations

Who is at high risk for developing Flu/COVID-19 related complications?

  • Elderly
  • Young children
  • Pregnant women
  • Residents of nursing homes
  • Immunocompromised individuals

Even healthy people not experiencing symptoms can spread the flu and COVID-19.

Those infected with the flu may be able to infect another person 1 day before showing any signs or symptoms and up to 7 days after becoming sick.  Those infected with COVID-19 may be able to infect another person 2 days before showing signs or symptoms and up to 10 days after becoming sick.

If you are infected with the flu or COVID-19 and are showing symptoms you should stay home, rest, and avoid contact with other people.  However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, bluish skin color, confusion, dizziness, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, or severe vomiting, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 seek medical help (TRICARE beneficiaries can call 801-586-2273).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Common Flu/COVID-19 Symptoms:

  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue

COVID-19 Specific Symptoms:

  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tightness in chest

Preventive Measures:

  • Flu/COVID-19 vaccine
  • Wear a face covering IAW local guidance, and/or when you cannot maintain greater than six feet of distance from other people
  • Avoid large gatherings of people (concerts, sporting events, etc.)
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Wash your hands often (for at least 20 seconds).  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer
  • When sick, isolate at home until cleared by a medical provider