2020 - 2021 Flu Season
 

I haven't seen a report yet of anyone having the flu this year. Can anyone else point me to a report? If not, it is probably the first time in history that a flu vaccination AND those who chose not to take the vaccination have completely avoided the flu. Is it possible flu cases are being reported as COVID? Just asking.

:icon_wink: Never thought I would live to see the Common Cold wiped out too. :popcorn:

I think most of the seasonal flu has been stopped by all the people who DO choose to wear masks, wash their hands, and social distance.

Even though they're doing it to reduce their risk of COVID-19, those same measures will reduce the risk of catching the flu.

Combine behavioral changes to reduce risk with the flu vaccine that anyone who WOULD get, should already have gotten by now, and you have a significantly reduced total of people with the flu.

they are different tests for different pathogens, so no, Covid and the seasonal flu are different tests, and are reported separately.

I have been getting flu vaccinations every year for years and have not gotten the flu. I always get a summer and winter cold though.

I have heard that any Coronavirus (doesn't have to be Covid-19) can trigger a positive Covid test. If Covid is going around still then so are other viruses.

Who knows what to believe anymore? We have been lied to so much the past year. If this was a marriage I would want a divorce.

Without a doubt!!! (in my opinion)

We have been locked up so long in the UK, I have forgotten how to catch a bus!

I don't think so.

I think OrangeBlossomBabe is right. I think social distancing and mask wearing has kept people from getting the seasonal flu too.

I found this article which is about seasonal flu in the Southern Hemisphere. (they get it first) It is dated in September but discusses this issue.

CDC says seasonal flu cases hit record lows around the world

Are you saying that anyone with a common cold who has a Covid test will be positive for Covid? That just does not sound right to me but I'm no expert.

If the cold is caused by a coronavirus, yes, it will trigger a positive test whether you have Covid-19 or not. Some of the annual flu bugs and colds that go around every year are Coronaviruses and those viruses can all trigger a positive test. This is what I have heard.

The flu viruses are NOT coronaviruses.

You heard wrong. The testing for Covid 19 tests for specific antigens on that virus that do not occur on other Coronaviruses. As with any test there are some false positives and some false negatives but interference from other Coronaviruses is not a significant problem

OK. Color me confused. Is there another type of virus that can cause a common cold? I clearly do not understand your statement that "some" bugs and colds are coronaviruses. I thought they all were coronaviruses that cause the flu and common colds.

I just now Googled if a common cold can trigger a positive Covid test. This is what I found.........

Fact check: Common cold does not produce positive COVID-19 test result