As the flu season gets underway over the next few weeks, public health officials have been preparing for a unique set of challenges. Some people are still looking for a last-minute flu shot due to delays in immunization shipments from two manufacturers, and those experiencing fever, aches, and fatigue from the flu may be more likely to head to the emergency room this year due to concerns about the Ebola virus, which causes similar symptoms. "I'm speculating, but there's no doubt in my mind that more people will be hitting the emergency departments this flu season suspecting that they or someone close to them has Ebola," said Dr. Eugene Litvak, president and CEO of the Boston-based non-profit Institute for Healthcare Optimization.
