2020 has brought on an unprecedented health crisis in the U.S. with the current COVID-19 pandemic still affecting the country significantly. But now, experts are worried about another virus, the flu. With the flu season upon us, health experts are worried that the current pandemic along with a flu season could create a new health crisis within the U.S.

This potential flu epidemic with the current pandemic has been dubbed as a “twindemic”. The main concern is that many Americans are so preoccupied with trying to prevent contracting COVID-19, that they forget about the flu and end up not getting a flu shot. This, according to experts, could potentially be catastrophic. Since the immune system takes a huge hit from fighting the flu, the risk of COVID-19 increases significantly. “If you don’t want to get COVID, don’t get influenza,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Stephen Brunquell.

Another concern is that hospital beds may go over capacity again. The COVID-19 has infected nearly 30 million people around the world which has put a strain on many hospitals around the world. A normal flu season could potentially put millions in hospital. As a result, health officials around the world are urging their citizens to get the flu vaccine now more than ever.

So with this new potential health crisis, what can people do to prevent getting the flu? The steps are actually quite simple. First and foremost, getting the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting the flu significantly, as well as prevent against a more severe infection. This could help in combating COVID-19 as less people get the flu or at least get a more mild infection. Second, methods like social distancing, masks, and washing your hand for 20 seconds don’t just work for COVID-19, it protects against all respiratory diseases, including the flu.

Sources

https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-08-26/with-flu-season-approaching-some-health-experts-are-bracing-for-a-twindemic

https://abc7ny.com/health/health-experts-urge-flu-shots-in-effort-to-avoid-twindemic/6422533/
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-08-21/is-a-twindemic-of-covid-19-and-flu-coming-this-fall