VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Some of the same precautions taken against COVID have helped battle the flu as well.
COVID has been the main topic discussion in the medical field over the last year, but it isn’t the only virus that can cause problems. Flu season is underway, but this year isn’t producing the numbers residents may be accustomed to seeing.
“In 2020, We’ve seen very low flu numbers,” said Ashlee Stewart, public health educator for the Vigo County Health Department. “We had a meeting and there was not one flu virus documented for the whole year, which is amazing.”
Greene County General Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Gamble strongly encouraged influenza vaccinations. This was encouraged in hopes of preventing a bad flu season during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were pleasantly surprised to see that influenza did not become a problem here. This is not unique to the United States,” said Dr. Gamble. “Influenza is cyclical around the world and as it spreads around the world. The countries that usually precede us did not see much influenza as well.”
Stewart says masks have not only helped slow the spread of COVID but the flu as well.
“If we do remove the mask, I believe that we will more than likely see the flu back the way that its been for many years,” said Stewart. “More than likely if we take our mask off, we’re going to start seeing the viruses spread again.”
Both Stewart and Gamble recommend the continued use of masks and other precautions taken over the last year to keep you and your family safe from flu, COVID and other potential viruses even after being vaccinated.
