The coronavirus is here. Sports, schools, and states continue to shut down completely. Governing bodies from organizations of every size are trying to stop the spread of the disease.

But it’s time for all of us to step up and do our part for our local communities and society as a whole.

So what is that? Lately, it might sound like there’s nothing you can do as an individual except sit around, wait, and hope. But there is one super important thing that you can do, and it might surprise you.

Get your influenza vaccine(IN-FLEW-EN-ZAH VAX-ZEEN) — A treatment used to teach your immune system how to recognize and prevent influenza (flu).

“The flu(FLEW) — A viral infection that causes a fever and severe aching?! Why do I need a flu shot? I thought it doesn’t work against the coronavirus!”

If you thought something like that, you are correct. The flu vaccine does not help in preventing the coronavirus. But the flu shot has many other benefits that will help us deal with coronavirus. 

Let’s talk about just one reason. Symptom Confusion.

You’ve probably heard that the coronavirus and the flu have pretty similar symptoms. Fever, cough, runny nose, tiredness, muscle aches are symptoms of the flu. But they are also symptoms of the coronavirus. And a lot of times the same for the common cold. With flu season still upon us, it’s super hard for you and medical professionals to know which virus you have.

By getting the flu vaccine, you will either prevent the flu altogether or only get a mild case. So, you will be less likely to seek medical care, reducing your worry (and saving our medical resources for those who are defenseless).

Wouldn’t you rather not get the flu and not have to worry which one you have?

So as a society, let’s all make sure we get our flu shot. That means making sure every person you know is doing their part. It is definitely not too late. We still have two months left in flu season.

Call your primary care doctor or your local pharmacy to see if they still have vaccines(VAX-ZEENS) — A treatment used to teach your immune system how to recognize certain foreign invaders and prevent disease available and will administer it. If there was ever a year to start getting your flu shot, this is the year—and keep it up next year.

And, let’s be honest, getting your flu shot is so much easier than not ever touching your eyes or mouth. Start with the easy step.