Some health care providers are concerned about the confluence of COVID-19 and the flu this fall.>> Download the free WMUR appIn a call with health care providers, state health officials said following guidelines is the most important thing to curb the spread of any virus. Flu season in New Hampshire typically starts in September, but given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this coming season is ripe for confusion.”We’re never going to be in a place where we can symptomatically tell whether someone has COVID or influenza,” said Beth Daly, of the Department of Health and Human Services.There is a test on the way that can check for both.”In fact, our public health has chatted the information that they are bringing it on, so that’s very good,” said Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, the deputy state epidemiologist.There was also clarification given on when somebody should get tested.”When someone calls in sick, you should immediately direct them to testing,” Talbot said.With back-to-school on the minds of many, state health officials also addressed the testing situation for children.”There is not a requirement or recommendation that students need to undergo testing for COVID-19 before coming into the school setting,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist.Health officials said that along with social distancing and hand washing, masks remain the best protection even for someone wearing a face shield.”We do not consider a face shield as equivalent or replacement for the use of face masks,” Chan said.Starting Friday, state health officials will begin holding weekly calls with school nurses.
Some health care providers are concerned about the confluence of COVID-19 and the flu this fall.
>> Download the free WMUR app
In a call with health care providers, state health officials said following guidelines is the most important thing to curb the spread of any virus. Flu season in New Hampshire typically starts in September, but given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this coming season is ripe for confusion.
“We’re never going to be in a place where we can symptomatically tell whether someone has COVID or influenza,” said Beth Daly, of the Department of Health and Human Services.
There is a test on the way that can check for both.
“In fact, our public health has chatted the information that they are bringing it on, so that’s very good,” said Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, the deputy state epidemiologist.
There was also clarification given on when somebody should get tested.
“When someone calls in sick, you should immediately direct them to testing,” Talbot said.
With back-to-school on the minds of many, state health officials also addressed the testing situation for children.
“There is not a requirement or recommendation that students need to undergo testing for COVID-19 before coming into the school setting,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist.
Health officials said that along with social distancing and hand washing, masks remain the best protection even for someone wearing a face shield.
“We do not consider a face shield as equivalent or replacement for the use of face masks,” Chan said.
Starting Friday, state health officials will begin holding weekly calls with school nurses.