LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This flu season is bringing unique concerns, with the potential for confusion of seasonal flu and COVID-19 symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, “Influenza (flu) activity often begins to increase in October.”
“We are very concerned about the flu this year, during the time of COVID,” said Lake County’s Public Health Officer, Gary Pace, MD, MPH. “Protecting our most vulnerable citizens during the risky fall and winter months is a priority.”
“All people are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine this year,” shared Pace. “They are available through your medical provider, at many pharmacies and at some flu vaccine clinics.”
Cost should not be a barrier. On Oct. 10, there is a free drive-through flu clinic at the Lake County Fairgrounds through the “Heroes of Health” event.
Information for health care workers
“Usually we have a Public Health order for health care workers to get the flu vaccine, or, as an alternative, to wear a mask when performing patient care,” said Pace. “Since all workers providing patient care are required to wear masks this year due to COVID, the order is not needed at this time. I continue to strongly recommend the influenza vaccine to be taken by every healthcare worker in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics.”
Pace and fellow Public Health officers in small Northern California counties recently issued a statement addressing the importance of healthcare workers getting immunized against the flu.
The statement can be read here.
Flu season in the time of COVID-19: Lake County Public Health officer recommends flu vaccinations
- Lake County News reports
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