Cold and flu season has arrived, and experts recommend that Michigan residents get immunized.
During the holidays, cold, flu, and COVID-19 viruses are spreading. While the three illnesses share some characteristics, significant differences distinguish them.
Here’s what you should know about these illnesses:
When is flu season?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, peak flu season begins in December and lasts through February. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the flu season will last into the spring, with a typical slowdown in May. Influenza viruses can circulate year-round.
What is the flu?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms may include fever, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, body aches, cough, and headaches.
When is cold season?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the cold season has begun in early fall and will continue through the spring, lasting until March or April.
What is a common cold?
A common cold is an infection of the nose and throat. According to Johns Hopkins, a cold is caused by a virus that inflames the membranes that line the nose and throat, and it can be caused by any of over 200 different viruses. The vast majority of colds are caused by rhinoviruses.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Common cold symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, watery eyes, headaches, and sneezing.
What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?
Although the symptoms of a cold and the flu are similar, there are some key differences between them. The two illnesses progress at different rates, with colds typically beginning slowly and the flu progressing more quickly. Colds are usually a mild illness, whereas the flu can be severe and, in some cases, fatal.
What is COVID-19?
The CDC defines COVID-19 as a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, fatigue, headache, nausea, sore throat, runny nose, and loss of taste and smell. COVID-19, unlike the flu or cold, can cause long-term symptoms that appear unrelated to the initial infection.
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
The two illnesses are both contagious and have similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses and can develop at different times, according to the CDC.
Flu symptoms typically appear within one to four days of infection, whereas COVID-19 symptoms can appear up to 14 days later. COVID-19 can be contagious for longer than the flu and may result in more serious complications.
Who should get the flu shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated against the flu. Those at higher risk for influenza include:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Individuals with chronic health conditions
- Children ages 5 and younger
- Pregnant women
How much does the flu shot cost?
Most insurance plans cover the flu shot for free or at a low cost.
Where can you get the flu shot in Michigan?
To schedule a flu shot, contact your local pharmacy, doctor’s office, or health department. Many health care providers provide appointment or walk-in services.
