How the COVID Pandemic Nearly Eradicated Flu Season

After spending more than a year inside, it can be hard to see the bright side of this pandemic. But there is one: cases of influenza have drastically decreased this flu season. While there have still been many cases of the flu this year, the numbers have been significantly lower than in past years. In most places, there have been next to no cases. Although you can still catch the flu this season, your chances of doing so are lower than they were last year.

Where Has the Flu Gone?

At the beginning of the pandemic, scientists suspected that the decline in flu cases was because of reduced testing for the virus. But further data collection has made it clear that lower testing rates were not the reason behind the fall in cases.

Some health authorities have suggested that antibodies from the coronavirus reduced the chances of contracting other viruses such as the flu. Some experts have observed that people who have recovered from COVID-19 are less likely to contract the flu, suggesting that COVID-19 recovery protects against the flu.

Staying at Home and Washing Your Hands

Because we have all taken so many safety precautions to protect ourselves from COVID-19, such as masks and social distancing, everyone has lowered their chances of contracting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observed that there was a drastic decline in flu cases within 2 weeks of the beginning of the lockdown. Places where the flu is commonly spread, such as schools, offices, and churches, were closed and other places, such as grocery stores, had social distancing safety measures in place.

Getting Your Annual Flu Vaccination

Although you are less likely to catch the flu this season, you should still get your annual flu shot this year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need medical resources available for rising cases of the coronavirus. Getting your flu shot will reduce the spread of the flu and reduce the amount of hospital space taken up by flu cases. Getting your flu shot this year is more important now than ever.

COVID-19 and the Flu with BASS Urgent Care

Although there has been a huge decrease in flu cases since the start of the pandemic, it is still important to get your annual flu shot. If you think you have missed your chance, don’t worry! You can still get your flu vaccination well into flu season. Schedule a flu vaccination with BASS Urgent Care by visiting our website or by calling us at (925) 267-7800.

If you are experiencing any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention and get tested for the coronavirus. Symptoms of the coronavirus are very similar to the flu, so it is best to have a doctor assess your symptoms. At BASS Urgent Care, we conduct COVID-19 tests both inside our facility and from the convenience of your vehicle. Schedule your COVID test by giving us a call.

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