Iowa is seeing an alarming trend as both COVID-19 cases and flu cases are rising.This is not what health experts were looking for before the holidays. They were hoping to see cases go down.Doctors are trying to avoid what they’re calling a “Twin-Demic.” They don’t want flu and COVID-19 cases to spike as we head into the winter season.Health officials say last year’s flu season was very mild due to mitigating measures. Their concern as we head into the holiday season is flu cases have spiked over the past week.University of Iowa Health Care reported just one flu case a couple weeks ago. Over the past week, there have been 150 flu cases in the state.University of Iowa Health Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Brennan warns that influenza is circling in several communities early on in this flu season.“We know when multiple viruses are in the community, particularly those viruses that can cause people to be hospitalized, it puts a strain on the health care system. I would say that our health care system is already strained,” Brennan said.Brennan says those who have tested positive for flu are not hospitalized. What they’re seeing now is people coming in for a COVID-19 test, testing negative for COVID-19, but positive for Influenza. Health officials say it’s showcasing why it’s so important to be Immunized against COVID-19 and the flu this holiday season.If you’re showing symptoms, come to a pharmacy and get tested.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Iowa is seeing an alarming trend as both COVID-19 cases and flu cases are rising.
This is not what health experts were looking for before the holidays. They were hoping to see cases go down.
Doctors are trying to avoid what they’re calling a “Twin-Demic.” They don’t want flu and COVID-19 cases to spike as we head into the winter season.
Health officials say last year’s flu season was very mild due to mitigating measures. Their concern as we head into the holiday season is flu cases have spiked over the past week.
University of Iowa Health Care reported just one flu case a couple weeks ago. Over the past week, there have been 150 flu cases in the state.
University of Iowa Health Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Brennan warns that influenza is circling in several communities early on in this flu season.
“We know when multiple viruses are in the community, particularly those viruses that can cause people to be hospitalized, it puts a strain on the health care system. I would say that our health care system is already strained,” Brennan said.
Brennan says those who have tested positive for flu are not hospitalized. What they’re seeing now is people coming in for a COVID-19 test, testing negative for COVID-19, but positive for Influenza.
Health officials say it’s showcasing why it’s so important to be Immunized against COVID-19 and the flu this holiday season.
If you’re showing symptoms, come to a pharmacy and get tested.