ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza cases have been low. Health professionals have pointed to precautions taken against COVID-19, which is significantly more contagious, as a contributing factor.

But now that masks have come off, and as children and adults go back to school and work, what will happen this season?

Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza says the public should be prepared for a potential surge in flu cases going into the fall and winter months.

Mendoza recommends everyone who is able to get a flu vaccine as well as the new omicron booster shot.

"There is some concern that very few people have any immunity to influenza whatsoever,” Mendoza said. “Given that we’re no longer wearing masks like we had in the last two years, there’s a concern that the flu season may end up being more severe this year than it had been in prior years."

So far, Mendoza says there's been no surge in COVID-19 cases since students returned to the classroom.

Monroe County is currently sitting at an average of 127 cases per day.