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As we move into fall, you might be feeling at the top of your game — you’ve made it a priority to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and get stress under control. Last summer, you barely had a sniffle. Plus, you’re one of those people who just doesn’t get sick very often. You might be wondering: Can I skip getting a flu shot?

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of adult health, offering protection against multiple diseases that can affect quality of life and longevity. As we age, the immunity we gained from childhood vaccinations can wane, leaving us vulnerable to infections. Moreover, lifestyle changes, travel and age-related health changes introduce new risks that adult vaccinations can make less severe or painful.

With the flu season upon us — along with fall allergies and new strains of COVID-19 — it can be hard to tell all the symptoms apart.

Learn the differences among symptoms and why getting the flu vaccine can help keep you and those around you safe.

Is it the flu?

The symptom checker outlines differences and similarities among flu, colds, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies.

Winter’s frigid temperatures often drive us to gather indoors with family and friends, increasing the risk of developing a respiratory illness. The lessons learned from managing COVID-19 help with other winter illnesses such as colds, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can significantly affect young children. Medical experts remind us to: