COVID-19 precautions could be contributing to a much-reduced rate of this seasonal illness
Jan. 30—Influenza infections are at an unusually low level in Pierce County, and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department director Dr. Anthony Chen thinks it's a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, what people are doing to avoid getting infected with the coronavirus is helping them avoid the flu virus: mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and adhering to the various workplace, social and education shutdowns and restrictions.
"I think what it's telling us is that these precautions that were taken for COVID work to prevent viral infections," Chen said Thursday.
At this time in 2020, influenza-like illness accounted for over 4% of emergency department and urgent care visits in Pierce County. Currently, that figure is 0.6%, TPCHD reported.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/craig-sailor-covid-19-precautions-could-be-contributing-to-a-much-reduced-rate-of-this-seasonal-illness/ar-BB1deLQa?ocid=hplocalnews
Keep it up folks. I'm glad this state isn't full of COVIDIOTs.