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MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – A.
That’s the number of positive flu tests UW Health has recorded this flu season.
According to new figures released by the hospital on Tuesday, UW Health has only found this one case of the more common flu that typically goes through this time of year.
Making that number more staggering is a comparison to last year, which is particularly bad for influenza cases. At this point in 2020, with Wisconsin’s first case of COVID-19 within days of diagnosis, UW Health had recorded 848 cases of the flu.
In the previous year, 2019, UW Health had counted 140 positive tests as of February 2.
Positive influenza cases reported to UW Health by February 2 of each year:
- 2018-19: 140
- 2019-20: 848
- 2020-21: 1
Dr Nasia Safdar, of UW Health, said health officials were relieved by the dramatic decline, as they initially feared they would have to fight the coronavirus and the flu at the same time.
“I think it certainly would have been a lot worse if we had both the current state of Covid and the flu in addition. I think that was everyone’s concern in the fall, ”Safdar said.
UnityPoint-Meriter did not provide figures on how people tested positive for the flu, but noted that no one had been hospitalized with the flu so far this year.
Safdar attributed the decline to the same measures people are taking to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, including wearing masks, social distancing and using hand sanitizer.
She added that in light of the drop, people may decide to wear masks in future flu seasons, as the community battles the coronavirus.
The flu shot is one factor that doesn’t seem to have made a difference. Figures from the Department of Health Services show that the number of people who have chosen to be vaccinated this flu season is very similar to last year.
According to his figures, 42% of people were vaccinated last year and, so far this season, that total stands at 41%.
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