First Flu, Coronavirus Co-Infection In Solano County Confirmed

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — A resident has tested positive for the first case of flu and COVID-19 co-infection in Solano County, prompting public health officials to urge residents to get a flu shot.

The co-infection, which involved a county resident under the age of 65, was confirmed this week by the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division.

"With the likelihood of both COVID-19 and seasonal flu activity this winter, contracting either disease may weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the other disease,” said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County health officer. “Getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever, and flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community from becoming seriously ill with the flu. Vaccination not only reduces the risk of catching the flu, it also reduces the chance that you’ll be hospitalized. In other words, the flu vaccine will provide some protection and reduce your chances of needing to be hospitalized if you do get sick.”

With the start of the flu season is unpredictable and because a flu vaccine, once administered, takes two weeks to become fully effective, Solano County Public Health urges everyone six months and older to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible, and to get one every year, as the flu virus changes over time.

“Symptoms of the flu can be like early symptoms of COVID-19, meaning people with flu symptoms may require a COVID-19 test and need to stay home from work and isolate while awaiting their results,” Matyas said. “It is also important to note that flu is not COVID-19, which is caused by a different virus, and that the flu is not the same as the common cold, which is also caused by different viruses.”

According to the county, certain groups may experience complications from the flu and should contact their healthcare provider immediately. These groups include pregnant women, children younger than five years old, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes.

Anyone who is very sick should seek medical attention immediately, county officials said.

Doctors can prescribe antiviral medications that reduce the severity and duration of illness, according to the county.

For a list of Solano County community clinics providing low-cost and no-cost flu vaccinations, visit SolanoCounty.com/FLU. Flu vaccines are also available through doctor's offices and pharmacies.

As for coronavirus testing, anyone in Solano County can get COVID-19 test for free; sign up at Lhi.Care/CovidTesting and/or by calling (888) 634-1123.

"As more businesses begin to reopen, remember that you can be tested for COVID-19 for free, regardless of symptoms. Same-day appointments are available," the county said.

The county also says residents can help stop the spread of germs by practicing good hand washing and health habits:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Stay home when you are sick and keep your children home when they are sick
• Wear a face covering and maintain at least a six-foot distance from others in public settings