SAN DIEGO - Despite a recent drop in both Flu and COVID-19 cases, health care providers are urging you to still be cautious this winter season.
Data from the County of San Diego shows flu cases are down 21 percent but the peak of the season isn't here yet.
"In California and, I think, in most other places, the worst of flu is January and February,” Dr. Jyotu Sandhu with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group told NBC 7.
But the flu could be worse this time around.
“I can tell you right now, just from my practice, I’ve had five patients come in who said their flu experience was far worse than their COVID experience, and that says a lot,” Dr. Sandhu said.
Despite the drop in COVID cases, hospitalizations are up and that could be because most people are not taking the same precautions they did over the last two years, namely masking up in crowded, indoor spaces.
Health officials are recommending those who haven't yet, to get your COVID booster shot and to get your flu shot.