Oregon’s flu season peaked in mid-January but there is still widespread flu activity in communities, everywhere. Unlike COVID-19, there is a vaccine to protect against Influenza and health officials urge those who haven’t gotten a flu shot yet-- to do it.
A weakened immune system could make it easier to become infected by any disease, including novel coronavirus.
Johnathon Modie is with the Oregon Health Authority. He says COVID-19 and Influenza share a few things—like those at high risk of complications from each.
“That includes older adults, those 65 and older, people with underlying health conditions, diabetes, HIV-AIDS, asthma,” Modie says.
Modie says both viruses also have the same prevention protocols. Really wash hands, cover coughs, toss tissues and stay home with cold or flu-like symptoms. And Modie says, it is not too late to get a flu shot.
There are not yet any confirmed cases of coronavirus in Lane County, however hundreds have been sickened with Influenza this flu season and one child died.
