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The coronavirus pandemic has provided a crash course in staying safe from viral infections like influenza. Both viruses are contagious and both are spread by droplets from coughs or sneezes, as well as with saliva. Limiting contact with sick people is a great start to prevent disease. Hand-washing and masks as well as social distancing is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses and a great way not to catch them. Coughing or sneezing into an elbow is better than using your hands, and touching your face or eating with your hands should also be avoided. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine for influenza each year. The vaccine is formulated to improve your immunity to three or four different influenza viruses. A small number of people vaccinated each year still contract the flu, but usually the severity of their illness is lessened. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu. Some people experience a few symptoms similar to influenza when they receive the vaccine, but these pass in one to two days and do not last the one to two weeks, like the influenza illness.
