Have We Really Dodged a Bullet in the Form of a ‘Twindemic’? (Correct Answer: Not Yet)

Fear was high that the arrival of flu season would compound the mass illness and mounting deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As we reach the midway point, however, influenza has hardly been a blip on the screen. According to the World Health Organization, this is likely due to precautions against the coronavirus also having a protective effect for flu. While COVID-19 deniers scoff at such things, it’s clear that most Americans are in fact wearing masks, social distancing, washing or sanitizing their hands frequently, and just generally paying more attention to their personal hygiene and safety. Further, while it’s too early to report final data, it appears that more people in the U.S. followed recommendations to get a flu shot. The fact that these strategies have worked on flu—so far—points to the need for patients (and staff) to maintain the safeguards. Resist the urge to assume the threat has passed, and continue to encourage them all to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you do see a patient with respiratory complaints or other signs of either influenza or COVID-19, be sure to rule out flu, as symptoms can be similar. Many urgent care operators are employing a combination COVID-19/influenza test to cover all the bases.