Is it a Cold, Influenza? COVID or Allergies? Oh My!
Every fall, going into winter, people who have sniffles, coughs, and/or fever ask themselves and their health care providers, “What causes that?” or “What is this thing that is making me feel sick?”. Fortunately, after the first killing frost, many of the allergies to plants go away until next growing season, but indoor allergens can bother people all year. Now, COVID-19 gets thrown into the mix. Colds, flu, allergies and COVID may have many of the same symptoms. And yes, it is even possible to have allergies and COVID, or flu and COVID, or allergies and the flu, etc. etc. etc. COVID seems to be the only malady out of this list that can cause a person to have a new loss of the sense of taste or smell, but not all people infected with COVID lose their sense of taste or smell. Therefore, no one can say with certainty that because you can still taste and smell that you do not have COVID!
If the problem is only due to allergies it is very, very unlikely that the person affected will have a fever but will have bothersome sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and itchy eyes. Web MD put together a chart of possible diagnoses for those with respiratory symptoms to help determine whether a person might have a cold of influenza. The best preventative for both COVID and the Flu are the vaccines that are now easily available. Additionally, frequent handwashing, wearing face coverings when outside one’s home, and maintaining a distance from others that do not live in your household can be very effective. And, there is the old rule that applies whether it be Colds, COVID and Flu – if you are sick? Stay home! These hygienic measures likely will decrease your risk of getting and spreading these contagious respiratory infections.
There is a very important vaccine for Influenza and January is not too late to get it. Since the vast majority of us in the US who had polio are 65 years or older, it is generally advised that we be given the “high dose” flu vaccine.
Note: This is not based on the fact we had polio but is purely based on our chronologic age. The “high-dose” vaccine has four times the amount of flu antigen to the four different flu viruses (hence called a quadrivalent flu vaccine) that are expected to be currently causing influenza compared to what is in the quadrivalent flu vaccine given to younger individuals. According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the high dose flu vaccine was shown to be 24% more effective at preventing flu in persons 65 and older than the standard flu vaccine. Nevertheless, no flu vaccine is 100% effective at protecting recipients from getting the flu if they are exposed to someone with influenza. Reminder: It takes two weeks after you’ve had the vaccine for it to be fully effective.
In the past several years, flu vaccines have been shown to be about 40-50% effective. So-o-o, it is possible to get flu even if you got the flu shot, but it is thought that, in that case, you will have a less severe case of flu than if you never received the flu shot. Those who should not get the flu vaccine are those with severe allergies to eggs and those who are sick with fever or any suspected infection including possible COVID.
Persons who are sick with fever or have been recently exposed to COVID should delay getting the vaccine primarily to avoid exposing the vaccinators and staff to whatever you may have. Initial treatment for colds, flu, and COVID are pretty much the same - fluids, rest, and symptomatic treatment such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, etc.) for treatment of fever and body aches. Stay home to minimize the risk of you transmitting these respiratory viruses to others.
Can I Have Flu And COVID-19 At The Same Time?
Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with flu or COVID-19.
Should A Flu Vaccine Be Given To Someone With Suspected Or Confirmed COVID-19?
No. Vaccination should be deferred (postponed) for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms, until they have met the criteria to discontinue their isolation. While mild illness is not a contraindication to flu vaccination, vaccination visits for these people should be postponed to avoid exposing healthcare personnel and other patients to the virus that causes COVID-19.
When scheduling or confirming appointments for vaccination, patients should be instructed to notify the provider’s office or clinic in advance if they currently have or develop any symptoms of COVID-19.
Additionally, a prior infection with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or flu does not protect someone from future flu infections. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year.
SOURCE: CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm
Edited by Dr. Eulberg from the original published by the Colorado Post-Polio Support, Fall 2020