Flu activity is historically low across the globe this year, due to increased health and safety practices brought on by COVID-19.
Flu activity is historically low across the globe this year, due to increased health and safety practices brought on by COVID-19.
--- as the season begins to change ---- the potential of covid-19 mixing with the flu - this fall -- could have been a harsh end to an already relentless year.
But a new report by the c- d-c suggests the u.s. could be catching a much-needed break.
44news reporter valerie lyons explains.
While it possible we could be at risk from covid-19 and the flu at the same time chances of actually getting the flu this season are low.
A new c-d-c report says flu activity is historically low in the u.s. this year.
Because people are wearing masks socially distancing increasing hygiene practices due to covid-19 is seeing a substantial decrease in flu cases.
And doctor roy arnold with 21st century healthcare in evansville says the study findings aren surprising as both covid-19 and the flu can be spread the same way.
"if we continue to practice good sanitation procedures, wearing masks, washing our hands a lot and trying to socially distance the odds of getting influenza will be much lower."
According to the report -- data shows low levels of flu circulation in the u.s. this summer with a positivity rate almost 12 times less.
There was a flu positivity rate of 2.35% last summer, compared to only .20% this summer.
But doctor arnold says it's always important to get vaccinated -- "you need to get it in september or october in order to develop the antibodies down the road to protect you from influenza.
Because -- even with those numbers -- you can still catch the virus.
Still -- getting the flu shot and following cdc guidelines is still the best method for keeping covid-19 and flu cases down.
In evansville -- vl-44 news.
And to get your flu shot over and done with --- in the