SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego County is seeing far fewer influenza cases at this point in the flu season compared to last year, due in part to coronavirus-related safety measures, according to public health officials.
So far this season, the county has recorded 39 influenza cases, compared to 1,220 cases at this point last season. Flu season generally runs from October through May, with flu activity peaking in December and February.
The county says it's "very likely" physical distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing are contributing to the low flu activity.
"Influenza activity remains very low to date this season in San Diego County. This is very likely due to the social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing interventions instituted to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19," the county's influenza report said.
Health officials say influenza vaccination rates are also contributing to the lower numbers. So far this season, 1,043,552 San Diegans have been vaccinated for the flu. Last season, a total of 1,234,474 flu shots were administered.
