The Pandemic Has Helped Kill the Flu

Earlier in the fall, the public was encouraged to seek flu vaccines to prevent a “twindemic” of flu and COVID-19, and apparently we listened. Social distancing, limited capacity at bars and restaurants, and virtual schooling also contributed to the virtual disappearance of the flu. Flu death data is difficult to compile quickly, but the CDC tracks a running count of child deaths and this year there has been just one pediatric flu death, compared to 92 at this time last year.