Prince William Leaders Urge Flu Shots As Coronavirus Cases Climb

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Prince William County leaders and healthcare officials are joining together to educate the public about the coronavirus and the importance of getting a flu shot as the region heads into the winter with the coronavirus crisis regaining momentum.

A joint community health statement was sent out Friday by the city of Manassas, city of Manassas Park, Novant Health UVA Health System, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Prince William County Government, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Virginia Department of Health-Prince William Health District.

Messages, recorded in both English and Spanish, are being distributed and shared through social media and health agencies to reach every segment of the community.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that with more than 200,000 COVID-19-related deaths already in the United States, another respiratory illness could increase the chances of residents contracting both diseases at once. In addition, flu symptoms are very similar to those of coronavirus.

"Getting a flu shot to prevent the flu will allow healthcare professionals to better manage the COVID-19 pandemic, save thousands of lives and preserve health care resources," the county and health officials said.

Coronavirus cases are climbing across Virginia, with Northern Virginia starting to see daily cases similar to averages in early June as the region was coming down from its peak in May.

Primary care provider’s offices are providing flu shots as are area drugstores and pharmacies. They are generally covered by insurance. For more information about flu shot locations, visit vaccinefinder.org.

This article originally appeared on the Manassas Patch