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Wolf to veto school sports bill; override attempt expected

Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut tests positive for COVID-19

The coincidence of the novel coronavirus pandemic and yearly flu season is going to be discussed and studied constantly over the next few months.
				Frankly, if we&rsquo;re being responsible, we should be very concerned. Dealing with two infectious viruses, both of which have the potential to cause serious respiratory infection, at the same time, will present a new set of challenges and shouldn&rsquo;t be taken lightly.
				The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates between 24,000 and 62,000 Americans died from the flu between Oct. 1, 2019 and April 4, 2020. And it is still uncertain how COVID-19, which has taken around 200,000 lives in the U.S. already, will trend in coming months.
				So, at the very least, we&rsquo;ll be battling two diseases that are potentially deadly, especially among the older members of our communities and those who may have compromised immune systems or other medical conditions that put them at high risk of serious complications resulting from infection.
				Another worry is that hospitals and health systems may become overwhelmed should a particularly potent strain of influenza hit the population at the same time as a resurgence in COVID-19 activity.
				But the good news is, there&rsquo;s something you can do to protect yourself, your neighbors and your healthcare providers.
				Get your flu shot.
				The flu vaccine is safe, and it&rsquo;s the best defense against the flu. The CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months get a flu shot every year, but this year it&rsquo;s critical, because the vaccine reduces the chance a person will end up hospitalized with the flu.
				If unnecessary flu hospitalizations can be minimized, healthcare providers can focus on treating patients with other serious illnesses and being ready for any surges in COVID-19 infections.
				Another weapon in our arsenal will be continued masking, physical distancing, and regular handwashing or sanitizing. Since COVID-19 and the flu spread in similar ways, those same measures &mdash; keeping the mouth and nose covered in public, staying a minimum of six feet from others, and practicing good respiratory hygiene &mdash; we&rsquo;ve been repeating consistently over the last seven months will help us slow flu transmission.
				If we&rsquo;re lucky, it&rsquo;ll be months yet until a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 is developed and widely distributed. But since we already have one for the flu, it makes sense that everyone for whom it is recommended go get vaccinated.
				It&rsquo;s easier than ever to get a flu shot, and clinics, hospitals and health systems are offering a variety of ways to do so this season. Among those options are scheduled and walk-in appointments and even drive-thru services.
				Geisinger is offering drive-thru flu shots to the public at no cost from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 27 at Geisinger CenterPoint in Pittston and on Oct. 24 at the Southside Fire Station in Hazleton. There&rsquo;s no need to preregister. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.
				When arriving at a drive-thru vaccination site, follow all directional signage. You will need to fill out a short electronic form before receiving your flu shot. Remain inside your vehicle next to an opening window and be aware that staff will not enter vehicles to provide flu shots.
				In addition to the drive-thru flu clinics, Geisinger primary care and pediatric offices offer flu shots during regular office hours. Geisinger Pharmacy locations offer flu shots for patients, and those age 9 and older can get a flu shot at Geisinger Convenient Care locations any day of the week, with no appointment necessary.

Flu shots more important than ever