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COVID-19 and Flu: Prevent A Lengthy Recovery

Posted on November 18, 2021
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People who have gotten sick with either COVID-19 or flu can sometimes have long-term symptoms that extend their recovery. Some of these symptoms can occur even if the case didn’t land them in the hospital or ICU. Prevention is key – getting vaccinated, testing if you have symptoms, and early treatment can help prevent a lengthy recovery from these viruses.

Long Haul COVID-19 Symptoms:
While many people recover from COVID-19 without any lingering issues, some people have a longer journey to recovery. Symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental activities (also known as post-exertional malaise)
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)

Secondary Flu Symptoms
While fewer people have long-term symptoms after getting sick with the flu, it can still happen. Having the flu can create a domino effect and create other problems or exacerbate existing symptoms. These symptoms that happen as a result of the initial flu infection can include:

Testing & Treatment:
With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging at the same time as the flu season starts, testing is the only way to know for sure whether you are sick with flu, COVID-19, or another virus. If you are sick with the flu, antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms and prevent hospitalization. 

The Best Treatment Is Prevention – Get Vaccinated
For both COVID-19 and the flu, it’s best to prevent any of these issues from happening by getting vaccinated. While both vaccines do not guarantee that you will not get sick, you are less likely to have severe symptoms, hospitalization, or death when you get vaccinated.

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