As the number of coronaviruses increases, the number of cases of influenza decreases. This is the reason.

Staten Island, NY — According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to increase across the United States, leaving seasonal influenza activity less active during this period. is.

According to health experts, this is mainly due to strict coronavirus health and safety measures such as social distance and wearing masks. The flu vaccine was also available earlier this year, and more Americans have been vaccinated against the flu.

is more than 192 million times The CDC reports that influenza vaccines have been distributed as of December so far in this flu season. This is the maximum number of influenza vaccinations distributed in the United States during a single influenza season.

By the end of November, an estimated 45.3 million adult influenza vaccinations had been vaccinated in pharmacies, compared to 31.1 million in the same period in 2019, according to the CDC. This is a 46% increase.

Data from WalgreensOne of the largest providers of influenza vaccination, has also shown that overall influenza activity is nationally low compared to the normal influenza season.

“Unprecedented demand for influenza vaccination this season and the safety measures everyone is taking to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as social distance, wearing face masks and frequent hand washing. , May contribute to the prevention of the flu. This season’s activities, “said Dr. Kevin Bang, Chief Medical Officer of Walgreen. In a news release.

However, the CDC warns that while influenza activity is unusually low at this time, it “may increase in the coming months.” The first childhood death of the season due to the flu was reported last month.

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses such as influenza is more important than ever in the fall and winter.” The CDC said on its website.

Authorities continue to seek an annual flu vaccine as it is the best way to protect against influenza and its potential serious complications. Also, if you have not been vaccinated against the flu, You can still get vaccinated. According to the CDC, there are also flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu diseases.

“This season’s flu vaccine will also help ease the burden on the healthcare system for the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for the care of COVID-19 patients,” said the CDC. ..

The CDC vaccinates all people over the age of 6 months, especially those at high risk, including adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, infants, asthma, heart disease, stroke, and people with underlying illnesses such as diabetes. Recommended. Children with HIV / AIDS, cancer, and neurological conditions.

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So how does COVID-19 compare to influenza?

Both influenza and COVID-19 are infectious respiratory diseases, but they are caused by various viruses. Influenza activity begins to increase from October to November and usually peaks from December to February. The flu season can last until May.

Both influenza and COVID-19 can cause serious illness as well as hospitalization and death.

According to the CDC, coronavirus and flu can show symptoms and symptoms of varying degrees, from completely asymptomatic (asymptomatic) to severe. The common symptoms shared by coronavirus and influenza are: Fever or fever / chills. Cough; shortness of breath or dyspnea; malaise; sore throat; runny nose or stuffy nose; muscle or body pain; headache, and some people vomiting or diarrhea (this is more common in children than adults) May have

According to the CDC Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 -Unlike influenza-May include changes or loss of taste or odor.

With both coronavirus and flu, it can take a day or more after infection to begin symptoms.

People usually develop symptoms of influenza 1 to 4 days after infection, but people with coronavirus usually develop symptoms 5 days after infection- However, the period varies from 2 to 14 days.

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