OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Hospitals in Nebraska are dealing with an increase in COVID-19 patients while also seeing confirmed flu cases coming in.
On Wednesday, CHI Health confirms they have 88 COVID-19 patients in their metro area hospitals.
Dr. Vivekanandan with CHI Health says she's heard of confirmed cases of influenza in Omaha and Douglas County already this year.
She says while no studies show COVID-19 increases your risk for catching other viruses, it is possible to contract more than one at the same time.
"But just the fall, winter times...people are high risk for getting the other viruses,” she said. “So you can have co-infections with two viruses at the same time, depending on your exposure."
Dr. Vivekanandan points out that the same steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 - masks, good hand hygiene and physical distancing - can also help keep flu cases down this year. She also stressed the importance of getting your flu shot now.
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