What Philly Residents Can Do To Prepare For Cold And Flu Season

This is not medical advice.

For those who live in Philadelphia, the arrival of fall means more than just chilly temps. Fall also marks double trouble: the start of both cold and flu season. With Philly residents already managing life amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the arrival of cold and flu season means it's more important than ever to take the proper precautions to avoid serious illness. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to prepare yourself for cold and flu season. Here’s everything you need to know.

How Do The Common Cold And The Flu Differ?

The common cold and the flu both cause respiratory infections, but they are caused by different viruses. Additionally, both can cause similar symptoms. Among the symptoms the common cold and the flu share are:

• Body Aches
• Fatigue
• Sneezing
• Chest Discomfort And Cough
• Sore Throat

For those afflicted with any of the symptoms above, it might be tricky to determine whether you have the common cold or the flu. But there are important differences between the two respiratory infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is generally worse than the common cold. Symptoms of the flu are typically more intense and begin more abruptly.

Additionally, those with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people who have the flu. In regard to severity, colds generally do not result in serious health problems, while the flu can have serious associated complications.

When in doubt, you can get tested for the flu. Tests conducted to diagnose the flu use molecular or antigen testing methods to detect the virus. Tests can be administered by your health care provider.

Receive A Diagnosis Through A Virtual Visit

If you’d prefer to see a licensed professional to receive a diagnosis, GoodRx Care can help you connect with a medical professional online. Since visits are done virtually, you can schedule your online visit as soon as today.

During your visit, you’ll be able to describe your symptoms and seek their advice, all from the comfort of your own home. If your provider prescribes any medications to you, the GoodRx app can help you find the most affordable price in your area for your prescription drugs. The app is easy to use and, most importantly, free.

Get Your Flu Shot And Take These Preventive Steps

Unlike the common cold, a vaccine is available for the flu. For Philadelphia residents, getting the flu vaccine (also known as the flu shot) is one way you can protect yourself. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for those 6 months and older, with few exceptions, such as those with allergies to the ingredients in the vaccine or the vaccine itself. The flu shot works by giving your body the chance to build up an immune response against the flu virus by producing antibodies. Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, there's less of a chance you'll have a severe reaction.

Additional steps you can take to avoid getting or spreading the flu include:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay away from people if you are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes in your elbow or, better yet, in a tissue that you throw away right after. Kids can be taught to cough or sneeze into their shirts.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If that’s not possible, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Keep your hands away from your face to avoid spreading germs.
• Wear a mask if appropriate.

The GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program Is Here To Help

If you decide that you’d like to receive the flu shot, GoodRx offers a flu vaccine finder that can help you find one for a low price, if not covered by your insurance. The GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program has partnered with various pharmacies including Walgreens and Albertsons and more to offer you low prices on your flu vaccine.

Prices offered through the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program include the administrative fee, which is a fee commonly charged for giving the flu shot. The usual price for a flu vaccine can be up to $90. With the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program, these prices can drop to as low as $25 per vaccine. Simply bring your GoodRx coupon to a participating pharmacy in Philadelphia and receive your flu vaccine of choice.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this cold and flu season by familiarizing yourself with the difference between the two illnesses and taking the appropriate preventive steps.

Visit GoodRx to learn more about the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program.