Navigating COVID-19 & Influenza during Respiratory Season: Protecting High-Risk Patients and Healthcare Workers
Cat3B: 1 point | 
1 Hour | 
16 Jul 2026
Overview
About this course
COVID-19 and influenza are both infectious viral respiratory diseases that pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, and contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Public health strategies aim to lessen the burden of both diseases by promoting vaccination and implementing preventive measures.
Despite being distinct diseases, COVID-19 and influenza share several similarities in terms of clinical presentation, making itdifficult to distinguish one from the other through history and physical examination alone. Knowledge of the differences between COVID 19 and influenza is critical because their management and treatment approaches differ. Diagnostic testing plays a pivotal role in identifying the specific cause of the infection. In high-risk individuals, targeted treatments like antiviral medications (e.g., oseltamivir for influenza or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir for COVID-19) can significantly improve outcomes.
Prevention of disease through vaccination remains a cornerstone in controlling both infections in the community. Administration of COVID 19 and flu vaccines is an effective strategy to reduce the severity and spread of the diseases. Annual influenza vaccines are tailored to the strains expected to circulate each flu season, while COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, are designed to provide robust protection against severe outcomes and evolving variants. Public health initiatives emphasize the importance of vaccination for both diseases, particularly for high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.
This e-learning module aims to give clarity in the differences between COVID 19 and influenza in the primary care setting for proper treatment of patients with these illnesses. Updates on the recommendations on COVID-19 and flu vaccines will also be tackled in this module, including administration of COVID and flu shot together.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning module, participants should be able to:
- Analyze the global impact of COVID-19 and influenza, including morbidity, mortality, and healthcare system strain.
- Compare and contrast COVID-19 and Influenza.
- Recognize Healthcare Workers (HCWs) as a high-risk group in acquiring respiratory illnesses.
- Discuss the processes and criteria for selecting COVID-19 and influenza strains for vaccines each season.
- Review the current guidelines for administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, including timing and target groups.
- Discuss the rationale, safety, and benefits of administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously.
- Apply strategies for improving vaccination uptake
Topic covered:
- Burden of disease of COVID-19 and influenza
- Similarities and differences of COVID-19 and influenza
- Healthcare Workers (HCWs) as a high risk group
- Strain selection of COVID-19 and influenza for the respiratory season
- Vaccination schedule and recommendations
- Strategies for improving vaccination coverage
- Vaccine co-administration
- Communication and education strategies for at-risk populations
Speaker for this module:
Dr Wee Liang En Ian
MBBS (Hons) MRCP (UK) MPH GradDip (Global Health)
Specialist in Infectious Diseases
CAT3B: 1 Point Available
- Score at least 80% on the quiz.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion of the quiz. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CPD points.
This module was independently developed by MIMS and brought to you through an educational partnership with Moderna Biotech Singapore Pte. Ltd.
