HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Doctors with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are continuing to urge people to get both their flu shot and COVID vaccine if they have not yet done so.
"We have not started to see much flu in our office yet, But I have had many more patients have been much more eager this year to get their flu vaccine," said UAB Family Medicine Physician Dr.Erin Delaney.
COVID precautions last year helped keep the number of flu cases low, according to UAB doctors.
"Because of the few measures in place, like more people staying and working at home, more mask mandates, we did see less circulating flu," said UAB Infectious Disease Dr. Molly Fleece.
Dr. Fleece said doctors are already starting to see flu cases pop up..
"Influenza Across the state as of last week, we have only seen four positive influenza-b cases. It is still very early," said Dr. Fleece.
As temperatures keep dropping, health experts expect to see more and more flu cases.
"It is imperative that everybody do their part to protect themselves from both COVID and the flu by getting vaccinated," said Dr. Fleece.
Experts continue to reassure that vaccines are both safe and effective.
"Based on what we know from other vaccinations and giving those at the same time, we feel that this is also a safe thing to recommend. It is time to start getting your flu vaccine, so we do highly encourage that," said Dr. Delaney.