All the mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and staying at home to prevent coronavirus spread rendered the 2020-2021 in-flu-enza season practically nonexistent.
Public health and laboratories reported 2,038 flu cases during the 2020-21 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency estimated about 38 million people were sick with the flu during the 2019-2020 season. That deserves a repeat: 2,038 estimated cases last season compared to an estimated 38,000,000 in the previous flu season (pre-covid). Holy mackerel!
If we learned anything from this COVID pandemic, it is that masks work to stop the spread of viruses that pass from person to person from breathing, sneezing, coughing or kissing. (along with social distancing and staying home when sick)
The U.S. saw about 700 deaths from influenza during the 2020–2021 season. In comparison, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were approximately 22,000 U.S. deaths in the prior season and 34,000 deaths two seasons ago.
We also learned that SARS-CoV-2 virus is more virulent and deadly than the in-flu-enza virus.
Stats and graphs from: Scientific American, April 29, 2021.