COVID-19 and Flu Season

Fall has officially arrived, bringing with it promises of Texas football, sweater weather, and all things pumpkin spice. With the outside temperature gradually declining (ever so slightly), congestion and sniffly noses are sure to be on the rise. Be prepared this fall and winter season by exploring preventative measures and staying up to date on the latest guidelines.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an extremely contagious respiratory condition. While most coronaviruses cause mild upper respiratory tract infections, infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) can result in serious illness, especially among vulnerable groups, including adults over the age of 65, individuals with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Symptoms can develop anywhere between 2 to 14 days after infection.

Recommendations for individuals with COVID-19*:

• Individuals who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms should isolate through day 5 and wear a mask through day 10
• Individuals with moderate or severe symptoms should isolate through day 10 (those with severe symptoms may remain infectious beyond 10 days and may need to extend isolation for up to 20 days)
• Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should isolate through day 20

*Day 0 is the day symptoms first appeared or when the specimen was collected for asymptomatic individuals with a positive test. Regardless of isolation recommendations, you should be fever-free for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the need for fever-reducing medicine to end isolation.

The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Getting vaccinated also reduces your chance of experiencing long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.

Explore answers to questions about long COVID.

<br>To combat the ever-evolving nature of COVID-19, which can lead to new variants and cause protection from vaccines to decline over time, the CDC advises receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t done so in the last two months. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will help restore and enhance protection against the prevailing variants responsible for most infections and hospitalizations.

To slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Regularly wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects
• Avoid contact with individuals who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations
• Adhere to appropriate isolation guidelines (see above) if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
• Get test for COVID-19 if necessary

Stay up to date on the latest CDC guidance regarding COVID-19.

<br>Flu

Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory condition caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu symptoms often manifest quickly, typically lasting 5 to 7 days, with lingering fatigue for up to 10 to 14 days. While most individuals recover without medical treatment, complications such as pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in adults over the age of 65, children under the age of 5, and individuals with existing heart or lung conditions.

The flu is most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear, which is why it is crucial to stay home and schedule a visit with your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider can conduct a quick test to confirm whether you have the flu and prescribe antiviral medications that may shorten the length of your illness by 24 to 48 hours.

Recommendations for people with the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Minimize contact with others as much as possible
• Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider
• Stay home until at least 24 hours have passed after your fever subsided without the need for fever-reducing medicine

Learn more about your immune system and how it works.

<br>The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccination, ideally by October each year. Getting a flu shot reduces the risk of catching the flu. While it’s still possible to contract the flu, the symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated individuals.

To slow the spread of the flu:

• Regularly wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick
• Stay up to date on flu vaccinations
• Get tested for flu if necessary

Stay up to date on the latest CDC guidance regarding the flu.

<br>COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses and their symptoms are similar, making it challenging to distinguish between the two based on symptoms alone. You can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and the flu by getting vaccinated. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can also be administered at the same time, streamlining the process by only requiring you to make one appointment. Stay safe and informed this fall and winter season.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available through the H-E-B Pharmacy located on the first floor of the Health Transformation Building (HTB), which also houses the UT Health Austin clinical practice. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.

To schedule an appointment with UT Health Austin, please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.