(Atlantic) The fall season is right around the corner, and along with the bright fall colors and colder temperatures comes the Flu season. Many people, including those in the medical field, are concerned about the overlap between the flu season and the coronavirus pandemic that could cause issues.
Tammy Bireline, Chief Clinic Administrator for Cass County Health System, says trying to determine whether symptoms may be related to Influenza or COVID-19 is often challenging. “Because a lot of the symptoms are similar and overlapping, so that’s our first concern,” explained Bireline. “The second concern is that both viruses target some of the same body systems. Some people can get COVID-19 and be asymptomatic, and other people can get quite sick. The same holds true for influenza.”
Bireline says it’s proven there can be co-infections. “A person can get sick with both influenza and COVID-19 at the same time, which we worry could increase the severity of the illness,” said Bireline. “We are looking to see how we can mitigate this a little bit.”
Interestingly enough some of the things implemented for COVID-19 can be used to slow the spread of influenza as well. “Diligent hand washing, and the wearing of masks when social distancing is not possible, will protect people to some extent from influenza,” said Bireline.
Bireline says they are ramping up flu vaccinations earlier than in years past because they want people to develop the level of protection before we get into the heart of the flu season to avoid that type of co-infection.
CCHS is currently working on developing some drive-thru flu vaccination clinics to keep people as safe as possible, as well as a convenient manner to get those flu shots at the Cass County Memorial Hospital. September and October are the best months to get the flu shot.
