Regenstrief Institute Director of Public Health Informatics Brian Dixon, PhD, MPA, is one of many public health experts who are concerned about severe COVID-19 infections stacking on top of regular flu hospitalizations.
“The possibility of a ‘twindemic’ is very real, especially this year,” he said. Last year there were very few flu cases, but experts attribute that to mask mandates, social distancing and other restrictions. The situation is much different this year. Dr. Dixon believes the U.S. will have at least a normal flu season, if not a bad one.
“With our hospital system already overburdened from COVID-19, there is a real concern about flu coming in this fall, as it does every year, and putting additional strain on the healthcare system,” Dr. Dixon said.
He and other experts are recommending people wear a mask and get vaccines for both flu and COVID-19 if they are eligible.
