LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — At Bryan Medical Center, doctors said they’ve seen a noticeable spike in flu cases over just the past two weeks.

On Tuesday, seven patients were hospitalized with the flu.

Just one week ago, the number was four; before that, it was zero.

“We are seeing some co-infections, quite a few, I took care of a couple of patients last week that had both COVID and Influenza,” said Dr. Alissa Clough.

Inside hospitals this winter, doctors said beds are filling slightly faster than expected.

Health officials said that while the flu can feel routine, symptoms can vary from person to person.

“For many, it is just a respiratory infection or a cold, but for many, it could be life-threatening; there’s death across the country in both young and old.” Dr. Clough said.

Doctors said the surge is affecting not just patients but also the healthcare workers caring for them.

“If we’re full of folks with COVID and Influenza, what does that do, or how are we able to help other patients that come in with a heart attack, a stroke, or other infections we need to be treating?”

A reminder: doctors said this flu season isn’t over, and awareness can help protect both patients and the people caring for them.

“Obviously, vaccinations are always the right answer for Influzena and COVID. It is not too late to get vaccinated for Influzena.”

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