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The Conversation
Libby Richards, Associate Professor of Nursing, Purdue University

When should you get the new COVID-19 booster and the flu shot? Now is the right time for both

It is safe to get the newly formulated COVID-19 booster shot and the flu shot at the same time. SDI Productions/ E+ via Getty Images

At this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everyone has experienced the panic and uncertainty that come with having mild COVID-like symptoms – such as a cough and sore throat – only to test negative day after day. With cold and flu season just around the corner, that state of frustrating uncertainty is likely to strike most of us again.

Both COVID-19 and the flu are contagious respiratory illnesses that have similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two viral infections without a lab test. Testing is the only way to know which virus is causing your symptoms. In fact, labs are working to create one test that can detect both COVID-19 and the flu.

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