As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, it is important for public health experts to keep an eye on other respiratory illnesses – including the seasonal flu. Coming into flu season, many health experts feared an overlap of the seasonal flu and corona virus, or a “twindemic”.
Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “Seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains lower than usual for this time of year.” While many healthcare systems are strained with COVID-19 patient surges, most states are reporting low levels of the flu.
In fact, just one — Oklahoma — is reporting “moderate” levels of flulike illness as of Dec. 12, according to the CDC.
In an interview with AARP William Schaffner, M.D., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says that “Our colleagues in Australia and New Zealand attribute their very low influenza season to the combination of both lots of flu vaccine but also being quite compliant with the recommendation to stay at home, [avoid] large groups, and wear a mask.”
The CDC concludes their report on low flu cases so far by leaving us with some Key Points:
- Flu activity is unusually low at this time but may increase in the coming months.
- An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications.
- If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, get vaccinated now.
- There are also flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness.
Dr. Schaffner added that COVID-19 precautions here in the United States are contributing to our low flu rates so far. He cautioned, however, that low flu cases so far shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee that the rest of the season will be light as winter tends to drive people to gather more indoors. Schaffner says it isn’t too late to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already!