As the first flu season during the coronavirus pandemic approaches, healthcare leaders stress vaccinations to try to preserve healthcare resources, according to an article on the Providence Journal website.

Mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing can help limit the spread of influenza, but  flu cases could take up hospital beds, staff energy and coronavirus testing supplies.

Some doctors questioned whether relying on masks to slow the flu is a sound strategy.

And keeping up with mask wearing and social distancing may be difficult in the winter. Plus, the usual gathering with family and loved ones may not a good idea, the doctors said.

One Infection control expert has said she expects that the flu-COVID combination could strain an already stressed healthcare system, according to an article on the Infection Control website.

Plus, long-term care facilities may have to further restrict visitors because they can bring the flu and COVID in. 

Hospitals are already looking ahead to flu season, according to an article on the Observer Reporter website. 

Read the full Providence Journal article.