SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As the coronavirus pandemic drags on around the nation, we are getting closer to flu season. On Monday, Governor Newsom warned of something he called a "twin-demic," meaning the convergence of flu season and the ongoing pandemic.

The governor echoed the CDC, saying its more important than ever before to get a flu shot.

The CDC reports roughly 410,000 flu-related hospitalizations last year.

On top of that, it's estimated another 24,000 people died because of the flu nationwide. The public health website shows that in Kern County, we saw nine flu deaths. Another 27 people ended up in the ICU.

Governor Newsom warned that flu season could put an extra strain on hospitals, adding that ICU beds are in very high demand.

With the flu and coronavirus both spreading this year, here are some tips to stay safe.

Once again, the CDC says a flu shot this year is important for our health.

As always, be sure to keep your hands clean and wear a mask when in close contact with others.

It's also important to avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

Contact with these areas easily transfers germs from our hands to our faces.

If you think you might have the flu, stay home from work.