By: Andy East
As fall approaches, health officials around the country, including in Bartholomew County, are concerned about how the COVID-19 pandemic will evolve once flu season kicks into high gear.
Both influenza and the novel coronavirus likely will circulate in Bartholomew County this fall and winter, and complicating matters further, symptoms of both illnesses — dry cough, fever and chills, fatigue — are difficult to distinguish without testing.
Local officials worry that a wave of flu patients could overwhelm hospitals, doctor offices and laboratories that test for both illnesses and other resources that may already be in shorter supply if there is another rebound in COVID-19 patients.
The end results, according to local health officials, could be “catastrophic”— particularly if people flout public health guidance aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus, including wearing masks, avoiding crowds and keeping their distance.
“If we as a community let down our guard, we could see a catastrophic combination of COVID-19 and influenza activity at the local level,” said Dr. Brian Niedbalski, Bartholomew County health officer. “We would see possible school closures, business closures and a repeat of last spring with cancellations of sporting events, concerts, graduations, etc.”
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
