Good news about flu

Despite predictions that cases of the seasonal flu and COVID-19 could potentially spike together in a “twindemic,” the 2020-2021 flu season has so far been unusually mild, according to nationwide statistics.

According to CDC data, just 0.2% of samples tested at labs nationally have come back positive for influenza A or B as of late December, even though a higher than usual number of samples have been tested due to the similarity of symptoms between the flu and COVID-19. 

All U.S. states and territories are reporting either low or minimal flu activity over the same time period. A total of 90 hospitalizations associated with influenza confirmed in a lab were reported across the country between Oct. 1 and Dec. 19, the lowest level in almost 10 years.

Even though the flu season has been a non-event to date, the CDC warns that cases could rise in the coming months, and advises that it’s not too late to get a flu shot for those who have not done so already.