With the flu season approaching, the three associations urged the public to get a flu shot.
News Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic has killed 200,000 people in the United States prompted a joint statement of sorrow and a renewed push for social distancing and flu vaccinations from the nation's three largest healthcare associations.
"Today we mark a somber milestone as more than 200,000 people in the United States have died of COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic," the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association wrote.
The scale and raw numbers of deaths has had a devasting impact on the nation, the three associations wrote, "affecting Americans at a rate that represents a nearly worst-case scenario."
"Those lost include mothers and fathers, grandparents, children, teachers, and frontline workers. The steps required to stop the spread of this virus should be well known by now, but with more than 6 million COVID-positive Americans, we say again: wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing," they wrote.
With the flu season approaching, the three associations urged the public to get a flu shot.
"With no end to COVID-19 in sight, a bad flu season has potential to cause additional strain on our health system that is still battling the pandemic. America’s physicians, nurses, and hospitals and health systems thank you for doing your part," they said.
“Today we mark a somber milestone as more than 200,000 people in the United States have died of COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic.”
ANA, AHA, AMA
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The stakeholders are urging the public to continue practicing social distancing, handwashing, and wearing masks.
They warn that a bad flu season could place an additional burden on hospitals, physicians and nurses.