EDITOR'S NOTE: Multimedia journalist Brenda Marquez spoke with a Los Angeles resident about getting the flu shot. Click the arrow above to watch the video.

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — With COVID-19's impact generally easing, although still deadly, could Los Angeles County be on the verge of a nasty flu season?

That was the concern expressed last week by the county's Public Health director, who said the intense infection-control measures put in place to combat the pandemic also led to a dramatic reduction in flu cases over the past two years.

As a result, however, residents could potentially be more susceptible to flu infections, particularly if the area is hit with an infectious influenza strain being tracked in countries like Australia.

Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the county is "likely to see more influenza than we've seen in the past two years," since most of the COVID-era restrictions — particularly mask-wearing requirements — have been lifted.

"The big worry is most of us haven't seen any flu for a couple years now," she said, noting that such a lack of exposure could also lead to more infections this winter — a time when COVID infections have also spiked during the last two years.

She urged residents to ensure they are up to date on their flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations.