Reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu is important now, more so than ever, according to the CDC.

As the infection rate for COVID-19 remains relatively low in New York state, flu season is just upon us as we enter the fall months.

However, this flu season may look a little different as the city continues to manage the spread of the coronavirus.

For the past few months, taking precautions is something we’ve all been reminded of, including wearing masks, social distancing and constant hand washing. The precautions are all in an attempt to keep everyone safe. With flu season on the horizon it may complicate the health and safety of all.

Dr. Geralda Xavier serves as the chief quality officer at the New York City Health and Hospitals/Kings County. She tells News 12 they’re not sure how much more they will see in infectivity amid the coronavirus, but the concern is both are influenza-like.

An increase in mortality is possible, if a patient is dealing with both respiratory illnesses at the same time. She tells News 12 the hospital is taking all safety measures ahead of the flu season.

“We are also re-engineering a lot of our spaces to ensure we have plexi-glass, and other surfaces and other barriers to minimize exposures person to person. We’re also encouraging, once we start having the vaccination available, encouraging our staff to take the vaccine because that would keep them safe,” says Dr. Xavier.

Dr. Xavier also says they’re minimizing the amount of people they are allowing on their campus as they conduct tele-patient visits, minimizing person to person encounters.