Health Experts Warn of Possible "Twindemic" This Fall

There's a chance you could wind up battling COVID-19 and the flu at the same time this year, and experts are urging the public to get their flu shots to help prevent that very real possibility.

Adams with deaconess health -- says if people were to get both covid-19 and the flu at once -- there could be even more long term effects.

"there is some thought that if the patient already has the flu on top of that to reduce the immune system that we may have a more inflammatory response and with that we may have worsening organ damage, worsening pneumonia and it may be a much bigger obstacle for patients than with either of these diseases alone.

On thursday -- the cdc shared a startling statistic -- it estimates about 22 thousand people died last flu season -- enough to fill madison square garden in new york city.

But there is one line of defense that could drastically limit the risk.

"that's very important to get that flu shot."

Because while it can't protect against the coronavirus "it certainly may help with a combination of those two infections at the same time."

And with several tri- state counties -- sitting at high warning levels - with growing case counts -- "the sooner you can get it the better, honestly to provide that protection, it takes a couple of weeks to really build that immunity and that's what we're looking at -- to really make sure we help that vulnerable population."

You can easily schedule an appointment to get your flu shot at your local health provider -- or most pharmacies offer walk-up service.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

Live in evansville -- vl44news.