MYTH: The flu is the same as a bad cold.
FACT: The flu is typically a more serious illness than a cold and the two are caused by completely separate viruses. If you have a cold, chances are your symptoms started gradually and include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and a cough. Symptoms from the flu usually start more suddenly and can be similar to those of a cold, but also often include a fever, headache, body aches and extreme fatigue. It is very uncommon to become severely ill with a cold, but the flu can have much more serious complications. If you think you have a cold or the flu, you should stay home to avoid spreading the infection, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. You can avoid both of these illnesses by washing your hands frequently and you can reduce your risk of getting the flu by getting your flu shot every year!
FACT: The flu is typically a more serious illness than a cold and the two are caused by completely separate viruses. If you have a cold, chances are your symptoms started gradually and include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and a cough. Symptoms from the flu usually start more suddenly and can be similar to those of a cold, but also often include a fever, headache, body aches and extreme fatigue. It is very uncommon to become severely ill with a cold, but the flu can have much more serious complications. If you think you have a cold or the flu, you should stay home to avoid spreading the infection, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. You can avoid both of these illnesses by washing your hands frequently and you can reduce your risk of getting the flu by getting your flu shot every year!
MYTH: I have lifelong protection from a virus, like those that cause the flu and COVID-19, if I have gotten it once in my life.
FACT: The flu virus changes from year to year, so getting sick with the flu one year, or getting your flu shot one year, does not guarantee immunity forever. This is why it’s important to get your flu shot every year. Further, there have been many cases reported of individuals being re-infected with COVID-19, meaning that getting COVID-19 and recovering from it does not grant immunity. For a lot of healthy young adults, the flu and COVID-19 may result in a range of mild to severe symptoms. Even if these illnesses don’t feel like a threat, it is important to keep in mind that protecting yourself also protects others, like very young children, older adults and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are more likely to suffer severe, if not fatal, symptoms.
FACT: The flu virus changes from year to year, so getting sick with the flu one year, or getting your flu shot one year, does not guarantee immunity forever. This is why it’s important to get your flu shot every year. Further, there have been many cases reported of individuals being re-infected with COVID-19, meaning that getting COVID-19 and recovering from it does not grant immunity. For a lot of healthy young adults, the flu and COVID-19 may result in a range of mild to severe symptoms. Even if these illnesses don’t feel like a threat, it is important to keep in mind that protecting yourself also protects others, like very young children, older adults and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are more likely to suffer severe, if not fatal, symptoms.
MYTH: COVID-19 is not that different from the flu.
FACT: The flu and COVID-19 do share some common symptoms such as: fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, headache, and body aches. COVID-19 may include additional symptoms, including a sudden loss of taste and/or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. People may experience any combination of these symptoms. Due to the similarity of the symptoms, diagnostic testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. If you have any symptoms or COVID-19, please see the latest testing guidelines posted by Ottawa Public Health to see if you qualify for a test.
MYTH: You can’t spread the flu or COVID-19 if you feel well.
FACT: If you are sick it is important to stay at home! Even if you have no symptoms, it is completely possible for you to transmit a virus to those you are in close contact with. You can prevent others from being sick if you avoid public gatherings and focus on feeling better. To do so, it is important to get enough sleep in order for your body to heal. Furthermore, eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated by drinking water helps to boost your immune system. Also, if you happen to cough or sneeze it is best to do so into a tissue or the bend of your elbow. Washing your hands with soap and water can remove dirt and germs in order to prevent others and yourself from being sick.
We hope that this information helps you stay flu and COVID-19 free in the coming months. For the most up-to-date information, visit your local public health authority’s website, such as Ottawa Public Health. Take care!
Sources:
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza/get-your-flu-shot.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm#anchor_1595526242
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/10-flu-myths
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/stay-home-when-sick.htm