Health officials brace for flu season colliding with COVID-19 pandemic

SALISBURY, Md. – With the coronavirus pandemic, local health experts say flu season will likely be a little bit more hectic this year.

The Wicomico County Health Department says it will be harder for doctors this season to distinguish between the coronavirus and the flu because of their similarities.

So, they’ll have to depend on testing to make their diagnosis.

On top of that, they will have to make sure they’re contact tracing while also investigating flu cases.

Now health officials are recommending that people get vaccinated for the flu to lessen the chances of getting both viruses.

“If people get vaccinated then there will be more people protected from the flu and less illness, but it’s one of those things where it’s hard to predict what a flu season is going to look like,” said Nurse Program Manager Olivia Butler.

The Wicomico County Health Department says they will be receiving vaccines this month.

Once they have those vaccines they plan on holding clinics.