Get your flu shot early says Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, an infectious disease specialist with Carilion Clinic – by the end of October if possible. He also says COVID-19 is a close cousin in many ways. A loss of taste or smell in some infected with COVID-19 may be the tell-tale difference. Call a health care provider says Baffoe-Bonnie with questions about what might be making you sick.