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What are the symptoms of the flu versus COVID-19?
Flu and COVID-19 share several symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue. However, COVID-19 may also cause loss of taste or smell, which is less common with the flu. It's important to get tested if you experience symptoms, as both illnesses can lead to severe complications.
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Why are children and the elderly more affected this flu season?
This flu season has seen a significant impact on children and the elderly due to lower vaccination rates and the emergence of more virulent strains. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations for these groups to mitigate risks.
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What preventive measures can people take against the flu?
To protect against the flu, health officials recommend getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, and staying home when feeling unwell. These measures can help reduce the spread of the virus.
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How does the flu mortality rate compare to COVID-19?
Recent data indicates that the flu has a higher mortality rate this season, with California reporting a 3.4% mortality rate for flu compared to 1.3% for COVID-19. This highlights the urgent need for public awareness and vaccination efforts.
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What is the current status of flu cases and hospitalizations?
As of February 22, 2025, there have been over 29 million flu cases reported this season, leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths. The CDC is urging the public to take preventive measures and get vaccinated to combat the ongoing outbreaks.
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What are the concerns regarding avian flu this season?
The emergence of a new H5N1 bird flu variant in livestock has raised concerns about its potential spillover into humans. Experts warn that this situation could complicate the current flu crisis and emphasize the interconnectedness of animal and human health.
