DOVER, Del. (AP) - The Delaware Division of Public Health says that only 11 cases of the flu have been reported this season.
The Delaware State News reported Monday that there were more 4,300 flu cases reported at this time last year.
“This has been the best flu season of my career by far,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director.
Experts attribute the drop in flu cases to the steps people have taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Those include wearing face masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing.
“You cannot deny that the COVID-19 restrictions have limited the spread of the flu this year too,” Dr. Bill Chasanov, an infectious disease physician at Beebe Healthcare, said.
Delawareans also went out and received their flu vaccines. Another factor was schools, which have been operating virtually or using a hybrid model that allowed some students to return. School buildings are areas in which the flu has been known to spread.
Flu season usually peaks by the end of February and can sometimes last into the month of May.
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