With both flu and COVID-19 circulating this season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones with these resource links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Flu & COVID-19: Understanding Similarities and Differences
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2), and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
- FAQs: Flu and COVID-19
- Getting a Flu Vaccine during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
For more information about seasonal flu, see TexasFlu.org.
Contact Tracing – Answer the Call, Texans!
If you’re sick with COVID-19 or were exposed, a public health worker may contact you to check on your health, discuss who you’ve been in contact with, and ask you to self-isolate at home. The call on your phone will come from “Tx Health Dept” or 1-833-753-0909. Answer the call to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing
Your doctor will help make the decision if you should get tested for COVID 19. If you do not have health insurance, you can still get tested for COVID 19 if your doctor or healthcare provider recommends it. For information about testing, you just need to call your doctor and/or access care the way you usually do. If you need help finding a doctor or accessing medical care, call 2 1 1 and they can direct you to low- or no-cost providers in your area. People can get tested for COVID 19 at public testing sites or drive thru locations in certain parts of Texas.
For an explanation of the different types of tests for COVID-19, see COVID-19 Testing Explained (PDF, V.3.0, updated 10/08/2020). To learn more about types of testing, see also the CDC website:
• Test for Current Infection
• Test for Past Infection
NOTE: Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19 on a viral or an antibody test, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others.