Influenza and COVID-19 are common respiratory illnesses that circulate during cooler months. These viruses can cause similar symptoms, leading to questions about managing health and vaccination when one of these infections is present.
Can You Get a Flu Shot While Actively Infected with COVID-19?
Public health organizations generally advise against getting a flu shot if you have an active, symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This also applies to individuals in isolation due to a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case. The concern is not a negative interaction between vaccines, but practical and diagnostic considerations. Visiting a vaccination site while contagious could lead to virus transmission to others, including healthcare workers.
Reasons for the Recommendation
The recommendation to postpone a flu shot during an active COVID-19 infection is based on several factors. Both the flu and COVID-19 can present with similar symptoms, such as fever, body aches, and fatigue. A flu shot can sometimes cause mild side effects that mimic these, which could complicate the assessment of an ongoing COVID-19 illness or delay a correct diagnosis.
Individuals with active COVID-19 are advised to isolate themselves to prevent its spread. Visiting a clinic for a flu shot would break this isolation, risking exposure to healthcare personnel and patients. While not a contraindication, being in good health before vaccination allows the immune system to mount an effective response without fighting an active infection.
Timing Your Flu Shot After a COVID-19 Infection
Once you have recovered from COVID-19, it is safe to get your flu shot. Wait until your symptoms have fully resolved, particularly if you had a fever without fever-reducing medication. You should also have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation, which often involves a specific period after symptom onset or a negative test, depending on local guidelines.
There is no mandatory waiting period between recovering from COVID-19 and getting a flu shot once you are no longer infectious and feel well. The key is to be past the acute phase of illness and no longer pose a transmission risk. For personalized advice, especially if your COVID-19 illness was severe or you have underlying health conditions, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Why Both Vaccinations Matter
Receiving both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination, including updated doses or boosters when eligible, is important for your health. Both influenza and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, leading to hospitalizations and death. Getting vaccinated against both viruses helps reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes and lessens the burden on healthcare systems.
Vaccination also helps prevent co-infection, where a person contracts both the flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. Co-infection can lead to more severe illness than having either virus alone. These vaccinations are important tools for individual well-being and broader public health.