County health official: Flu vaccine crucial during COVID-19 pandemic | News
As the number of COVID-19 cases surges in Wisconsin on the verge of flu season,
As the number of COVID-19 cases surges in Wisconsin on the verge of flu season, Kenosha County health officials are urging residents not to forget their flu shots.
Similar symptoms make it difficult for people to tell the difference between the two, and if people are infected with both it makes it more difficult for their bodies to fight the virus, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said.
“It’s always important to get the seasonal flu vaccine, but it’s even more critical this year amid COVID-19,” Freiheit said. “Taking steps to stay healthy is good for you and your family, and it will help our health care professionals and hospitals as they continue to care for COVID-19 patients.”
Freiheit added that wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of both viruses.
As flu is not a reportable communicable disease, the Kenosha County Division of Health does not have specific numbers of cases, Freiheit said. However, hospital emergency department visits for influenza-related concerns are reported on the hospitalizations tab on the county’s COVID-19 data dashboard.
The CDC recommends a flu vaccination before the end of October. Freiheit shared the following answers from the CDC to frequently asked question about COVID-19 and the flu:
Do the flu and COVID-19 spread the same way?