Imperial County health experts talk Flu and COVID-19

El Centro Regional Medical Center says influenza cases are going up - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - In today's world the moment you get a sore throat you may start to anxiously wonder, is it the flu, or is it COVID-19.

The El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) says it had 24 patients admitted yesterday with cold-like symptoms. ECRMC says only four of those patients had COVID-19, the rest had the flu.

“We have dedicated one of the tents outside my office for COVID, and the other tents are dedicated for the flu,” he said.

Unfortunately, the two share very similar symptoms. Fever, chills and even difficulty breathing are all symptoms that can be seen in both the flu and COVID-19.

Dr. George Fareed with Pioneers Memorial Hospital says you can only do one thing to be on the safe side.

"Get tested, do the at home test, or go into urgent care and get tested," he said.

Pioneers Memorial Hospital says it has not seen any cases of influenza in the last month. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) says flu activity remains low in California but is beginning to increase.

So when should you see a doctor?

Health experts say when you have trouble breathing, a fever over 100 degrees, chest pain, abdomen pain or vomiting, to see a doctor immediately.

CDPH also says flu activity remains low in California but it is beginning to increase. If you’re in Imperial County  mobile testing sites are available every day  in El Centro and Calexico  Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.