Local health official explains why flu season could be more complicated due to pandemic

MARYLAND- With flu season right around the corner, health officials are encouraging you to get the flu shot sooner rather than later.

An RN Infection Preventionist at TidalHealth told us the CDC is recommending getting the flu shot in early Fall.

Health experts said last season was a lot different than any of the seasons past.

In fact, locally we’re told two of the hospitals didnt have any flu cases.

While health officials don’t know exactly what to expect this season, it could be more complicated due to the pandemic.

“Right now the hospitals and facilities are seeing an upsurge in COVID patients so we are using all of our resources for COVID, if we add flu on top of that it could become overwhelming rather quickly, so that’s why encourage everybody to get their flu shots, so let’s try to keep the flu down to a minimum this year,” Dawn Sullivan, an RN Infection Preventionist at TidalHealth, said.

We’re told some are worried about getting the flu shot, so close to getting their COVID- 19 vaccine.

But, the CDC said you don’t have to worry about time in between.

So, if you’re looking to get the shot TidalHealth will have a drive through free clinics in October.