Did you know that flu activity peaks in February? That’s why it’s still not too late to get your flu shot.

Majd Sweiss, MD, NorthShore Family Medicine, recommends getting vaccinated early, but said that getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial and vaccination will continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into February and later.

“We will most definitely welcome you with open arms to get flu shots for you and your children,” Dr. Sweiss said. “You can be infected with both a flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time, so you can ask for both vaccines to keep you, your family and our communities safe and healthy.”

Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and seasonal flu (most often just called “flu”) is caused by infection with one of many influenza viruses that spread annually among people. The COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine are both safe and can be given at the same time.

NorthShore Pediatrician, Rachel Chang, MD, recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.  

“Last year flu activity was abnormally low. That isn’t the case this year and influenza can be very dangerous, especially for young patients.” Chang says.

If you do have flu-like symptoms, NorthShore is able to test for seasonal influenza A and B viruses and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, with one nasal swab in Immediate Care Centers and Pediatric offices.

Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine with your Primary Care provider today!