By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The large drop in temperature this week has got Reno County officials thinking ahead to when everyone is driven indoors this fall and winter.
"I think we're all going to have concerns as we're moving into the colder months and going indoors," said Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "Then, you're going to introduce flu season, as well."
It is important to note that mask wearing and social distancing are helpful.
"Perhaps we could have a lighter flu season, just due to the fact that we're doing everything to prevent COVID," Hammersmith said. "It's going to prevent flu, as well. If you're washing your hands, you're wearing a mask, you're social distancing, all of those things are going to prevent most viruses."
It's also time to start thinking about getting your flu shot.
"We'll have flu shot clinics," Hammersmith said. "I know a lot of companies have already jumped on board. We've got a lot of companies that we're going to go out to and give our flu shots to. We've generally done that and we're going to continue to do that. All around the area, they've got flu shots advertised and we do have flu shots in. The companies were really good to produce even extra flu shots that hopefully, more people would go ahead and get your flu shot."
That's one way to try to prevent medical providers from trying to have to figure out if you have the flu or COVID-19 or both.