Fauci, collins urge prevention as vaccine plans advance

Don't skip your flu shot this season in anticipation of a coronavirus vaccine, Fauci warned. “It's not one or the other,” he said. While the flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms,

they are different illnesses, caused by different viruses. And, experts say, it is possible to get infected by both at the same time or one right after the other, which can be especially

dangerous. Fauci's advice? Get the flu shot now, and when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available in your community, get in line for that as well. "You want to be doubly protected

from the flu and from coronavirus,” he said. If you start to experience flu-like symptoms this winter, pay attention to a few warning signs that could signal a coronavirus infection. Many

people with COVID-19 report a loss of taste and smell, which is not a common flu symptom, Fauci said. And if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, you should contact

your physician immediately or go to the hospital. “It's something you should pay attention to because it's the first sign of getting into trouble,” Fauci added. Persistent pain or

pressure in the chest, confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake, and bluish lips or face also mean you should get immediate medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC). STAY THE COURSE ON PREVENTION The recent vaccine developments represent a light at the end of the tunnel, but it's important to keep in mind that “the

tunnel has still got a ways to go,” Collins said. And now, more than ever, is the time to “stay the course and even double down” on everyday prevention efforts that can help slow the spread

of the virus until a vaccine is widely available. "It's very important that we don't give up on this and feel frustrated,” Fauci added. “It's obviously inconvenient,

particularly as you get to the holidays; everyone wants to be with their loved ones. Just keep in mind: Help is on the way with the vaccine. That should motivate us to double-down even more

and keep ourselves safe.”