Getting your flu shot is more important than ever, but does it help protect against the awful coronavirus? That’s a question on the minds of many people.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City provides some answers.

Why Is the Flu Shot So Important?

The flu vaccine is so important because it reduces the risk of flu sickness, hospitalization and death.

And the reason why the flu vaccine is more important this year than ever before is because it will help conserve healthcare resources. Because the flu shot decreases your risk of flu-related hospitalization, the vaccine will, in turn, free up more hospital beds and resources for those who are suffering from COVID-19.

More Ways the Flu Shot Helps

• Provides an important tool for those with chronic health conditions
• Helps protect women during and after pregnancy
• Lessens the severity of illness in those that do still get sick

Does the Flu Shot Protect Against COVID-19?

Unfortunately, it does not. While the flu and COVID-19 are both viral respiratory illnesses and have similar symptoms, the two sicknesses are caused by two different viruses. Thus, the flu vaccine won’t provide protection against a different virus in COVID-19.

For now, until a vaccine of its own is readily available, the best way to stay protected against COVID-19 is to follow the CDC-recommended health-safety protocols, which we’ve listed below.

Common Health-Safety Precautions

• Avoid large groups of people.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Stay socially distant from those who don’t live in your home.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid traveling long distances.

Despite its ineffectiveness against the coronavirus, it’s still essential to get your flu vaccine this year! If you haven’t gotten yours yet, schedule an appointment ASAP at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City.