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Coping with COVID: Kansas Gov. Kelly urges residents to get flu shot this season

Gov. Laura Kelly is making a push for Kansans to get a flu shot this season despite COVID-19, saying that due to each sharing similar symptoms, receiving a shot could later help hospitals treating coronavirus patients by ruling out those with the flu.

With flu season approaching amidst ongoing COVID-19 cases, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has asked that Kansans get a flu shot this season.

By receiving a shot, Kelly said it could help assist hospitals reportedly overburdened with treatment of COVID-19 patients by ruling out those who have the flu.

“Symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, so do yourself and the healthcare system a favor and get a flu shot,” Kelly said. “That way we can rule out the flu, given a person becomes ill.”

Despite the governor’s urging, whether residents choose to actually receive a shot remains up to the individual.

The announcement comes with word that the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is discussing an increase in testing this week.

A potential increase in testing would use more CARES Act funding to expand testing to asymptomatic individuals as well as those who are showing signs of COVID-19.