As COVID-19 infection rates rise nationally, it's more important than ever to stay healthy and avoid getting sick with the flu. 

Khurram Rashid, MD, with Lexington Hospitalists, joined WLTX's Queen Johnson to discuss what you need to know about flu and COVID-19.

Dr. Rashid notes that flu and COVID-19 share some of the same symptoms, including fever, cough, fever and gastrointestinal distress. But, one symptom that is unique to COVID-19 is the loss of taste and smell. 

More importantly, COVID-19 is more infectious and more deadly than flu. 

It it possible to become infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time, and it would be difficult for the body to fight both infections simultaneously. That makes getting the flu shot more important this year than ever.

Here are other ways you can avoid both flu and COVID-19:

• Wear a mask.
• Wash your hands often.
• Maintain social distance of six feet from others.