Covid safety measures reducing flu cases

All that hand sanitizer we’ve been bathing in appears to be working: The Centers for Disease Control recently announced that flu cases nationally are lower than normal for this time of year. Flu activity is also much lower than normal in Austin-Travis County and the state of Texas. For comparison, a flu report for the week of Nov. 22 from Austin Public Health showed only six positive flu tests. Last year at this time, APH reported more than 800 positive flu tests. Janet Pichette, chief epidemiologist at Austin Public Health, attributed the lower numbers to community members being more proactive, getting their flu vaccine, and “washing their hands, social distancing and wearing face coverings, which not only helps to fight Covid-19 but slow the spread of flu as well.” Since this week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, there’s no better time to get your flu vaccination if you’ve been putting it off. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find a location near you offering flu shots. Those who are uninsured or are Medicaid recipients may get flu shots from Austin Public Health. Call 512-972-5520 to schedule an appointment.