Flu vaccines can prevent millions of people from getting flu.  Being protected against flu and staying healthy means you can be there for loved ones who depend on you.  Lots of info here about flu shots.

The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.

Because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference. In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are typically more intense and begin more abruptly. 

Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of some of the same signs symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms.  Specific testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis.

Most people who get sick with flu will have mild illness, however, flu can make chronic health problems worse. Flu vaccine is the best protection from flu and its potentially serious complications. 

Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

Experts fear this year's strain of the flu could be severe.  Here are a few reasons why it’s important for you to get your flu shot every year, according to the CDC.

The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. 

Even if you are generally healthy, changes in immune, heart, and lung functions during pregnancy make you more likely to get severely ill. Pregnant people (and up to two weeks postpartum) who get flu are at higher risk of serious illness, including being hospitalized.

If you live with diabetes, you are three times more likely to be hospitalized or die from the flu, so it is especially important to get an annual flu shot.  Your doctor may also recommend you get the pneumonia shot due to your condition to provide additional protection.