ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- Flu season is upon us in the midst of a pandemic. We spoke with Andrew Klee, the Infection Prevention Associate from Arnot Health to learn how getting the flu shot this year not only helps you, but also medical professionals.

"It's probably more important this year than any year. So, we know that influenza and the COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, and they share similar symptoms; fever, cough, sore throat, chills and fatigue. If a person were to develop those symptoms, you wouldn't know which one you had unless you submitted yourself for a medical evaluation and tested to determine which one was present," said Klee.

Klee adds, the flu shot will not help battle COVID-19, but it will help doctor differentiate the difference between the two, which is just as important. "The flu shot itself will not have any effect on COVID, they are different viral infections there. It will help to differentiate between the two," says Klee.

He also mentions not being able to decipher between the two has the potential to overwhelm medical providers, and also cost you time away from work or school. 

"The problem with that is, if all members of the community developed symptoms and they all show up at their healthcare provider or at emergency departments all at the same time, then it has the potential to overwhelm those providers and those facilities very quickly. There's also the possibility, depending on the testing, patients will have to quarantine at home while they are awaiting the results," adds Klee.

Finally, Klee says there should be no concern to get your flu shot as medical professionals are taking all step to maintain safety. "When you are going to receive your flu shot, a lot of the agencies, a lot of the providers are all taking step in order to prevent their other patients and themselves as well. So, there's guidelines they follow to help protect their patients and co workers as well. So, people can feel safe when they go out and get their flu shot," adds Klee.

To find more information regarding COVID-19 and the flu you can go to the CDC's website for flu or COVID-19. As well as Chemung County's Public Health Departments website.