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As people prepare to gather for winter holidays, local health officials are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and the flu.
Transmission rates are high, and fewer people are getting vaccinated. Doctors reported seeing a surge in flu and COVID-19 cases after the Thanksgiving holiday. Health care officials hope to avoid that happening again during Christmas.
Alabama is one of several states still reporting ‘very high’ flu numbers on the CDC weekly map. 28 Alabamians died from flu this year—3 of them were children. Dr. Marie-Carmelle Ellie with UAB said hospitals are quickly filling up, and children make up many of the new cases.
Dr. Ellie suggests the best way to protect yourself against respiratory illness is to get vaccinated. If you’re feeling sick, consider postponing family gatherings until you’re feeling better.
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