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Health officials are worried about a severe \\u201ctwindemic\\u201d this year, when influenza and coronavirus cases increase at the same time. What parallel surges could mean for an already exhausted health-care system and efforts to end the pandemic.
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Last year, similar warnings were made about a potential \\u201ctwindemic.\\u201d Instead, the flu practically vanished. Health officials say this year could be different: Much of the country is up and running again, and 2020\\u2019s mild flu season means population immunity is probably lower.
That\\u2019s why officials are urging Americans to get the flu shot. \\u201cThe flu shot is proven effective and has been shown year after year to save lives,\\u201d says health reporter Fenit Nirappil. \\u201cAnd that\'s going to be particularly acute this year when we\'re also dealing with a new strain of coronavirus.\\u201d
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