TUCSON, Ariz. — Coronavirus continues to make the headline, but doctors say the flu quietly hospitalizes thousands of people in the United States every year. The Pima County Health Department says this season 3600 people have gone to emergency departments reporting flu-like illnesses.
Influenza can lead to bacterial infections like pneumonia and can be deadly on its own. This is especially true for the most vulnerable including the very young, older people, and people with chronic health conditions.
“It is true the flue infection itself can sometimes cause death,” said Banner UMC Chief Medical Officer Gordon Car. Dr. Carr says flu season is not over yet and says most people should get the flu shot. He also recommends not going to work when you are sick, covering your mouth when you cough, and other common sense practices.
“One of our best weapons against flu or any other respiratory illness in the winter time is good hand hygiene, it is critical that all of us wash our hands frequently.”
Carr says if you have any questions about your health and treatments its best to ask your personal doctor.
