LEXINGTON, Ky. — COVID-19 and the flu share many similar symptoms, like a high fever and muscle aches.

Lexington-Fayette County Health Department spokesman Kevin Hall says the similarities could be a problem as flu season approaches.

“We don’t want people to think this is only the flu and then it ends up being COVID-19,” Hall said.

And the best way to battle the flu, as always, is to get a flu shot.

Hall says the pandemic will make getting the flu shot a bit more difficult this year.

“One thing that has yet to be seen are how places are going to give the shot this year,” Hall said. “Will it be appointment only? Will it be walk-in?”

But the easiest way to find out is to call ahead and try to work out a time to show up.

Despite the recent rise in cases, Hall says Lexington hospitals are managing the coronavirus well.

“Right now in Lexington, there are plenty of hospital beds available. The ICUs are open for people with COVID-19, which is a great thing,” Hall said. “We don’t want to put that tax onto those hospitals, which is why we’re telling people to follow the guidelines and keep the system from getting overwhelmed.”

The situation could change quickly though, and Hall says being vigilant against the flu will ultimately help hospitals battle COVID-19.

“We don’t want both of these things running at the same time. We don’t want people getting sick with both of these because they’re both very brutal illnesses, so anything that you can do to protect yourself and also educate others,” Hall said. “Talk to your friends, talk to your family members, talk to your neighbors about the steps you can take to fight the flu and stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Hall said it’s too early to tell just how bad the upcoming flu season might be, but the coronavirus won’t make it easy.