MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Flu season is here and Shelby County health officials are urging Memphians to get their flu shot along with any COVID-19 booster shots they may need.
"People die every year from the flu, but that doesn't have to be the case," Shelby County Health Department Director Michelle Taylor said.
After a relatively mild flu season last year, officials are warning of a possible surge in flu cases as we get closer to the winter months.
"We're just entering the flu season and we won't really know what it's looking like for another couple of months. Most of the time we see a spike in cases in November and December because it's colder outside, people are spending more time indoors and they're in closer quarters," Dr. Taylor said.
As COVID-19 remains a concern, Dr. Taylor said now is the time to take action to prevent yourself from getting any respiratory virus. COVID-19 prevention measures like social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing are still great ways to protect yourself and of course, getting vaccinated, officials said.
"The best thing you can do for yourself, your loved ones, and the community is to go out, get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 and you don't have to worry about being sick over the winter," Taylor said.