MCHD encouraging residents to get a flu shot

Posted on September 29, 2020

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Local and state health officials are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said the flu and COVID share many of the same symptoms, but the difference is a readily available vaccine for the flu.

“We usually during this season do see hospitalizations due to the flu,” McKnight told WJBC’s Craig Collins. “We are encouraging everyone to get their flu shots because we want to try and prevent the burden on our healthcare system as much as possible.”

Some symptoms that are similar between the flu and COVID include body aches, fever, and cough.

The flu vaccine is available as either a shot or nasal spray. You can schedule a flu shot by calling the health department or your medical provider.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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