The number of flu cases in the U.S. dropped to a record low this month even as coronavirus cases surge. One reporter discovered that this sudden disappearance in flu cases probably has to do with the fact that many flu diagnoses are being labeled as COVID-19 cases.
“If accurately identified, [coronavirus cases] would be called influenza that shows up annually in the U.S. and abroad like clockwork,” wrote Zero Hedge.
Health experts, however, argued social distancing practices have led to a severe decline in flu cases, as have increased flu vaccinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 190.4 million flu vaccines have been distributed across the U.S. this season.
“The unprecedented demand we’ve seen for flu shots this season, along with safety precautions everyone is taking to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, wearing facemasks and frequently washing their hands, may be contributing to lower flu activity this season,” Kevin Ban, chief medical officer at Walgreens, told CBS News.
But Zero Hedge isn’t the only one to point out that health experts’ reasoning doesn’t add up:
The CDC reports flu cases at a minimum because everybody is wearing a mask
Simultaneously CDC reporting coronavirus cases up due to people not wearing masks. ?
— LORI HENDRY (@Lrihendry) December 29, 2020
Flu cases are at a minimum cuz hospitals are classifying the flu cases as CV in order to get federal money
— Richard Danna (@rickdanna4719) December 29, 2020
Has anyone seen patients with Influenza?
Strange. ICU full of patients. Not one #Flu case.#MedTwitter
— Kevin K. Chung, MD (@chungk1031) December 31, 2020
