What happened to flu season amid COVID pandemic?
After fears about a twindemic -- with the coronavirus pandemic taking place during flu season -- the flu has virtually disappeared altogether this year. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic began during flu season, which created an added challenge for doctors and hospitals. But this year, he says that the University Hospital hasnโt seen any cases of the flu this entire winter season. Related: Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents have received flu vaccine this season (Nov. 2020)AdThe Michigan Health Department labs have reported only five positive flu tests this entire flu season. More: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US
Will there be a definitive conclusion to this pandemic? Hereโs how the Spanish flu ended
Here are some key highlights of how the Spanish flu ultimately ended, and how it might correlate to the COVID-19 pandemic. History says the Spanish flu lasted from February 1918 until April 1920, but there wasnโt a definitive statement that the pandemic was over, according to Time. Of course, by then, the Spanish flu did unspeakable damage, infecting 500 million people and killing 50 million. With technology and research being nowhere close to what it is now, there was no waiting around for a vaccine to help quell the Spanish flu. That might have been the case with the Spanish flu, as peopleโs tolerance to the disease and willingness to social distance, wash hands and wear masks throughout increased.
Eastern Michigan University to offer no-cost mobile flu vaccination clinics through Dec. 8
ANN ARBOR โ The Eastern Michigan University Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies will be offering mobile flu vaccination clinics Nov. 14-Dec. 8 in partnership with the statewide Asian Community Toward Innovative Visionary Environment Coalition. โFlu vaccinations are more important than ever before this year to minimize the transmission of influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic,โ Tsu-Yin Wu, CHDIS director, said in a statement. โWe are increasing flu vaccine awareness, enhancing access to vaccinations, and improving connections between health care providers and underserved Asian and Arab American communities.โโ Like what youโre reading? Clinics will be held in areas with limited acccess to flu vaccination and flu education resources for Arab and Asian Americans. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the clinics are free to the community.
View: CDC guidelines for Thanksgiving amid coronavirus pandemic
Thanksgiving will be different this year for American families and friends who want to minimize the spread of the coronavirus and keep each other safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. From the CDC:Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu. For more CDC guidelines and tips for Thanksgiving amid the pandemic, go here.
Free flu shot event to take place near Ann Arbor on Thursday
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Health Department announced Monday it will be holding a no-cost flu vaccine event in Manchester this week. The event had previously been postponed, but the department has received flu vaccine supplies in full. The Health Department urges those with health insurance to go to their health provider or to a pharmacy to receive a flu vaccine, if they are able. Getting vaccinated against the flu can also reduce the risk of becoming sick with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. For more information about the Health Department and to see other community flu vaccine events, visit washtenaw.org/flushots.
Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents have received flu vaccine this season
LANSING, Mich. โ Nearly 2.4 million Michiganders have gotten their flu vaccine this season, officials said. That number puts the state more than halfway toward its goal of 4.2 million flu vaccines. There were 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million hospitalizations. โInfluenza can be deadly and getting the flu vaccine is a step we can take to protect against it. Meijer recently teamed up with the Detroit Tigers and Lansing Lugnuts to host two free flu shot clinics.
Washtenaw County Health Department, partners to offer free flu vaccination events
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Health Department will be offering no-cost flu vaccines at two upcoming events in Whitmore Lake and Ypsilanti. According to the Health Department, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, especially this year with the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine can also reduce the risk of becoming infected with both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. The Health Department aims to prioritize those community members without insurance with the free vaccine program. Hereโs some more information from the Washtenaw County Health Department about the flu:Why Get Vaccinated?
President Trump falsely claims COVID-19 is less lethal than flu -- What you should know
Itโs true that many of the hallmark symptoms are the same as the flu, fever, cough, body aches, but after that -- the comparisons break down. Without precautions one person with COVID-19 will infect 2 to 3 other people. Beyond the similarities in initial symptoms of fever, cough and body aches COVID-19 has demonstrated an ability the flu does not have: Multiple organ involvement. Finally, the simplest difference between flu and COVID-19 is that we have a vaccine and well established treatments for the flu. The face fatality rate for COVID-19 in people age 70 to 79 in Michigan is 18 percent.
Washtenaw County Health Department to offer no cost flu vaccines at several locations
YPSILANTI, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) will offer free flu vaccines to community members during several events over the next few weeks. It is recommended that everyone six-months-old and older get the flu vaccine every year. Find a list of flu vaccine events and community partner events at washtenaw.org/flushots. Two of the community flu vaccine events we posted about earlier today have been cancelled (10/3 and 10/4 at Christ the... Posted by Washtenaw County Health Department on Wednesday, September 30, 2020Related:C.S. Mott Poll: 1 in 3 parents to skip childโs flu shot during pandemicMany parents planning to skip flu shots for children despite warnings from expertsHigh demand for flu shots?
Here are important facts about the flu
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The flu usually appears with symptoms like headaches, fever, running nose, cough, and body aches. Dr. Shajahan says that the number one thing you can do to avoid getting the flu is to get your flu vaccine and social distance from others. Dr. Shajahan suggests that as soon as your temperature starts reaching 101, you will want to take medication such as Ibuprofen to bring it down. Those with the flu are usually contagious the day before they show symptoms and 5 to 7 days after.
C.S. Mott Poll: 1 in 3 parents to skip childโs flu shot during pandemic
Mott Childrenโs Hospital National Poll on Childrenโs Health at Michigan Medicine suggests that parental beliefs about flu vaccinations may not be impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. โOur report finds that even during the pandemic, some parents donโt see the flu vaccine as more urgent or necessary. Only 28% of parents who did not get their children a flu shot in 2019, indicated their child is likely to receive the flu shot this year. The poll found that only one-third of parents believe giving their child the flu vaccine this year is more important in comparison to previous years. Find the Mott Poll Report here.
Flu shot changes this fall: Hereโs what to know
Every year, people ask me well into December or January if itโs too late to get a flu shot. Flu shots are readily available at retail pharmacies, doctorโs offices and local health departments. Pediatricianโs offices have flu shots for children, and they made it easier for pharmacists to vaccinate children over age 3. All have been updated to better match the viruses expected to be circulating this flu season. There also are flu shots recommended for those 6 months and older.
Whitmer concerned combination of COVID-19, flu could wreak havoc on Michigan in coming months
Gretchen Whitmer is already looking ahead to the cold weather months and expressed her concerns about the intersection of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the flu. Whitmer said she wants to prevent that combination from wreaking havoc across the state. During Tuesdayโs press briefing, Whitmer got her flu shot on stage and encouraged Michigan residents to do the same this year. โWhen we all get our flu vaccine, we can help keep thousands of flu patients out of the hospitals and prevent overcrowding,โ Whitmer said. โThe economy in Michigan is operating at 87% of where it was in early March, so thatโs a powerful story to tell,โ Whitmer said.
Michigan officials: Flu shots vital to prevent separate outbreak amid ongoing coronavirus pandemic
LANSING, Mich. Michigan officials are urging residents to receive a flu vaccination this fall as health care systems continue to grapple with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Its more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get your flu vaccine. The nation also recorded 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million flu hospitalizations, officials said. According to officials, 187 U.S. children died from the flu, including six children in Michigan, during the 2019-2020 flu season. As of Monday, Aug. 24, the state of Michigan is reporting a total of 97,660 COVID-19 cases and 6,397 deaths.
As flu season approaches amid COVID-19 pandemic, here are some things to know
Its likely crossed the minds of Americans across the country: What could the fall look like when flu season hits and were still dealing with COVID-19? What could possibly be one of the scariest things about experiencing a season in which the flu and COVID-19 are running rampant is that symptoms from the two are very similar. Because of that, experts say, it will be more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. Is it possible that a flu vaccine could protect me against COVID-19? Learn more about what the CDC is saying concerning the flu and COVID-19 by clicking here.
1918 influenza headlines are eerily familiar in 2020
With daily case counts, quarantines and mask orders, headlines from the 1918 influenza pandemic are eerily familiar in the year 2020. Watch the video above to get a sense of the similarities between the events that are 100 years apart. More: Coronavirus news
Central Michigan to start, end fall semester early -- here are all the new important dates
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. โ Central Michigan University announced Monday that the school will start and end its fall semester early because of the coronavirus (COVID). New CMU fall semester start date: Aug. 17, 2020New CMU fall semester end date: Nov. 25, 2020CMU President Bob Davies said the semester will now begin Aug. 17, two weeks earlier than previously scheduled. Eight-week courses for the Fall I session will begin Aug. 31 and end Oct. 23. โCentral Michigan University will continue to adhere to this guidance closely. We are thrilled to have our students returning to Mount Pleasant for the fall semester, and we will ensure we do it as safely as possible."
CDC data shows jump in total deaths in Michigan this year amid COVID-19
DETROIT โ Newly released data from the Center for Disease Control shows an increase in total deaths this year in states hard hit by COVID-19, including Michigan. Data shows in Michigan, the partial death count is 121 percent of the count in a normal year, the equivalent of nearly 2,000 more deaths. (Find the latest Michigan COVID-19 data here)The New York Times found in New Jersey, deaths have been 172 percent of the normal โ more than 5,000 additional deaths, compared with an average count from the past five years. The CDC data is partial and stateโs are reporting COVID-19 deaths much quicker than at the federal level. Michigan, like many other states, is reviewing death certificates and matching test results, which has resulted in a retroactive increase in COVID-19 deaths.
Ingham County child dies from influenza before coronavirus outbreak
LANSING, Mich. โ Public health officials confirmed Sunday that an Ingham County child died from influenza (flu) in January. However, the Ingham County Health Department says the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigation measures have helped decrease โinfluenza activityโ. Officials hope the steps taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are also followed to prevent the spread of the flu. How easily the virus spreadsHow easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.
Health experts issue warning: Coronavirus is not the same as the flu
Many people have compared the new coronavirus to the seasonal flu, but health experts are worried that might give people a false sense of security. Local 4โฒs Dr. Frank McGeorge said heโs concerned that heโs heard many people say, coronavirus is โjust like the flu.โ That implies we donโt need to pay extra attention to the outbreak. By comparison, the seasonal flu kills 300,000 to 650,000 people a year worldwide. Coronavirus, even if low estimates are right, appears to be significantly more deadly than the seasonal flu. By comparison, itโs estimated that less than 2% of those infected with the seasonal flu this year have needed to be hospitalized.
5th Michigan patient tests negative for coronavirus
A fifth patient in Michigan who has been tested for the coronavirus has shown negative test results for the illness, according to health officials. On Monday, health officials announced the test results returned negative for the coronavirus. Four other possible cases in Michigan have been evaluated by the CDC and came back negative. Overall, there have been 64 referrals for coronavirus evaluation in Michigan. Five patients have been approved for testing at the CDC, and all five have returned negative results.
Influenza is Whatโs Going Around in Metro Detroit
DETROIT โ Metro Detroit doctors said we are still in the grips of the flu, but thatโs not the only illness to be concerned about. The flu season is in full swing and doctors are consistently seeing cases of influenza A and influenza B. There are also a lot of other illnesses circulating as well. If you are sick with a respiratory virus, ordinary masks can help keep you from spreading an infection to people. If you are not sick you should not substitute a mask for other hygiene like handwashing.
Flu cases increasing: Visitation restrictions in place for Beaumontโs 8 hospitals
ROYAL OAK, Mich. โ All Beaumont Health hospitals are experiencing high volumes of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, predominantly influenza, Beaumont Health reports. Related:As a result, visitation restrictions are now in place at Beaumontโs eight hospitals:DearbornFarmington HillsGrosse PointeRoyal OakTaylorTrentonTroyWayneFor the safety of our patients and staff: Visitation by children younger than 13 years of age is limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe illness of a parent or sibling, or end-of-life situations. In addition, Beaumontโs Infection Prevention and Epidemiology team strongly urges getting a flu shot. Friends and family of patients should avoid visiting our hospital campuses if they have cold or flu symptoms, such as:
This flu season could be worst in decades: Facts and symptoms
Health experts say this flu season is shaping up to potentially be one of the worst in decades. This flu season alreay has a record pediatric deaths -- 27 children in the United States have died from the flu through Dec. 28. According to the CDC, a total of at least 2,900 people in the United States are estimated to have died from the flu. Experts say this season is on track to be as severe as the 2017-18 season, the deadliest in 40 years. Flu symptoms (from the CDC)Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.