The flu has seen a significant decline this year, with only one child reported to have died from the virus in the United States this season. In stark contrast, last year saw nearly 200 pediatric flu-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, during week 8 of this season, there were no new pediatric flu deaths, bringing the total for the 2020-21 season to just one.
This reduction in flu cases is largely attributed to the widespread use of face masks and social distancing measures aimed at combating COVID-19. The CDC has noted that only 0.1 percent of flu tests are returning positive results this season, compared to the typical 20 to 30 percent in previous years. Lynnette Brammer, who leads the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team, emphasizes the significant impact of these preventive measures.
Flor Munoz, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ infectious-diseases committee, indicates that the global decline in flu cases suggests that masks have played a crucial role in limiting the virus’s transmission. For context, in the 2018-19 flu season, there were 144 deaths among children, and 188 during the 2017-18 season.
Adults are also experiencing a sharp decrease in flu mortality, with around 450 deaths this season, compared to approximately 22,000 last year. Aaron Milstone, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, states that the effectiveness of masking, distancing, and hand hygiene is evident. However, he raises questions about public willingness to maintain these habits to prevent flu, as we move forward.
Experts caution that the upcoming flu season may pose challenges, as identifying the dominant strain this year has proven difficult, complicating vaccine development. Andrea Kovacs, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Southern California, warns that it’s not too late for the flu to make a comeback, especially if COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed.
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Summary
This flu season has seen an unprecedented drop in cases and fatalities, with only one child dying from the virus in the U.S. due to the effects of mask-wearing and social distancing. Experts suggest that while current measures have been effective, future flu seasons could face challenges in predicting and preparing for strains.