DOVER, Del. (AP) - The state of Delaware is reporting its first flu case for the season as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
The News Journal reported Thursday that the flu case involved a Kent County child who is under the age of 5.
Health officials are urging people to get the flu vaccine. It is recommended for people 6 months of age and older.
“The flu vaccine won’t prevent COVID-19, but it is effective at preventing the flu,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the state’s Division of Public Health. “The flu vaccine decreases the number of people who need to be treated for the flu. This means more health care supplies, resources, and professionals will be available on the front lines to fight the pandemic.”
Dr. Caroline Snowberger said that the the flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses that present similarly and can be deadly. The similar symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and body aches.
Health officials anticipate that the number of flu cases in the state will rise after Thanksgiving if people don’t get the vaccine beforehand. And that will put pressure on the health care system, which is already concerned about controlling the spread of coronavirus.
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