SOUTHERN COLORADO — Usually by the time we think about getting our flu shots, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back on the market, but pharmacies and clinics around the country are already offering them now.
Many doctors across Colorado are encouraging the public to get their flu shots early, in order to prevent an overload of Coronavirus and flu patients from filling up hospitals.
"A bad flu season can really put certain hospitals into a medical stress situation," said Dr. Robert Redfield, Director, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in an interview with Newsy.
According to the CDC, less than 50 percent of adults take the time to get the flu vaccine.They're hoping that number will be closer to 65% this year. The American Medical Association is recommending anyone six months and older get a flu vaccine by Halloween.
Physicians are also preparing for the flu season ahead. Dr. Scott Joy at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, says doctors will have to carefully judge symptoms. Symptoms like body aches, could be indicative of either virus.
"If it's sudden onset, high fever, we're going to think more influenza," Dr. Joy said. "If it's loss of taste or smell, we're going to be thinking of COVID-19."
