Tips to Stay Safe During Flu Season (+ Checklist)

As flu season 2020 approaches, you may be wondering how to keep yourself safe from both the flu and COVID-19. While the pandemic continues, flu season will add even more health concerns to be aware of. Luckily, many of the same strategies you can use to protect yourself from COVID-19 can also help you avoid catching the flu. (Also make sure to scroll to the bottom of this blog to check out our flu season checklist.)

Get a Flu Shot

This flu season getting vaccinated can be more important than ever. Flu shots are generally inexpensive, especially with medical insurance. You may even be able to get one for free for yourself and your family through your place of work, school, or other programs. A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and ensure that you don’t end up with the flu; however, you should still take precautions to prevent the spread of viruses even if you’ve been vaccinated for flu season 2020. There is a small chance you can get the flu even if you’ve had a shot, and a flu vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19 or other viruses such as the common cold. 

Continue COVID-19 Precautions

While a flu shot won’t stop COVID-19, many of the precautions you should already be taking to stay safe from the new virus should also protect you from the flu. Continue safety practices such as wearing a facemask and social distancing. Since you may have to be wearing it for extended amounts of time, you should choose a mask that is comfortable and provides good filtration, such as a HALOmask. If you or someone you live with is feeling sick you should stay home to avoid the possibility of spreading a virus, flu or otherwise.

In addition to taking precautions that specifically apply to COVID-19, it is important to keep up with hygiene practices such as washing your hands and avoiding touching your face when possible. You should also stay aware of the policies that your workplace or your children’s school’s may have in place to respond to outbreaks. Knowing how your routine may need to be adjusted can minimize uncertainty and help you plan ahead for different scenarios. 

Know the Symptoms of the Flu and COVID-19

No matter how careful you are, there is a chance you may still get sick. If this happens it can be important to socially isolate yourself as much as possible and get in contact with a healthcare professional. Unfortunately, COVID-19 and the flu can have very similar symptoms including, fever, coughing and fatigue. Both viruses can be extremely contagious. If you feel sick you may need to get tested to determine what is affecting you. Your doctor should be able to inform you of treatments you may need and recommend ways to help you recover. 

You can protect yourself during flu season 2020 by continuing to take similar precautions to the ones recommended by the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Browse masks from HALOLIFE to find one that you are comfortable wearing everyday and keep practicing good habits like handwashing and social distancing to keep yourself and your family as safe as possible.