If I have a cold or the flu, can I also get the COVID-19 virus too?

[rph]

Should I self-isolate if I have a cold or flu because of risk of compounding it with the covid-19 virus??

 

[LCarlson]

As our resident "at-risk" staff moderator, I strongly advise you to take precautions and self-isolate if you are already infected with a cold or flu. Covid-19, like any infectious agent, is opportunistic, and will happily pile on. It will certainly never think to itself, "Oh look, that poor soul is already infected with something, I'll just leave them be."

All kidding aside, do take extra precautions while this virus is around. Be careful and also avoid whacky theories and "cures." Read only highly regarded news with verifiable sources, such as LiveScience.com and the most reputable news media.

We'll all get through this together!
~LC