In March, one health statistic quickly leveled off as the coronavirus spread globally. This is a case of influenza. In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season had just begun, but there were virtually no cases. “I’ve never seen such a low rate in my 40-year career,” says Mayo Clinic flu expert Gregory Poland.Researchers need to study the reason further, but some said Scientific American Coronavirus precautions (washing hands, wearing masks, social distance) are combating influenza infection. If these measures continue, Poland says countries can see the most dramatic reduction in influenza cases in modern human history. However, US health professionals still recommend flu shots. This is because not everyone in the country adheres to the virus containment measures, and COVID-19 can pose a greater threat to people infected with the flu.

COVID19 Regional influenza test results during a pandemic
Credit: Katie Peek; Source: FluNet / Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, World Health Organization (Influenza incidence)