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Flu reports down 50 percent from projections

Reported cases of the flu in New Mexico are down 50% from the baseline prediction for a normal season, which typically runs from the beginning of October until early April.

Influenza-like illness (ILI), which is what the state tracks all flu strands under, accounted for just 1.7% of patient visits to healthcare facilities during the last week of 2020. The New Mexico Department of Health predicted the baseline for ILI visits to be 3.4%.

The United States as a whole is reporting flu cases below its projected expectations. At the end of December the flu accounted for just 1.6% of patient visits. The U.S. baseline was 2.6%.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control, all states were reporting in the green at “low” or “minimal” influenza activity with no reported flu outbreaks.

During a normal flu season, like that of 2018, New Mexico sees around 5% of hospital visits for influenza-like illnesses and the U.S. as a whole around 4%.

The decrease in influenza-related patient visits this flu season is being attributed to an increase in health and safety measures taken for the COVID-19 virus.

“We are pleased to report that the number of influenza vaccines this season are up considerably, and there is no doubt that social distancing and wearing a mask have suppressed the spread of the flu,” said James Walton, communication specialist for the NMDOH.

Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis reported it has seen nine flu cases since September.

“Flu cases are down significantly,” said Jorge Cruz, interim hospital chief. “We believe this is due to COVID-19 practices, such as increased hand washing and more social distancing.”

Nationally, 129 lab-confirmed flu associated hospitalizations occurred between October of 2020 and early January of this year according to the CDC.

“This number is lower than average for this point in the season and comparable to counts seen at this point during the 2011-12 season,” the CDC reported on its influenza data page.

The CDC reports the 2018-2019 flu season saw over 490,000 hospitalizations and 34,000 deaths attributed to influenza illnesses in the United States. The 2019-2020 flu season saw 405,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths.

The United States has seen over 100,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 every day since Dec. 2 and has seen 399,053 deaths related to the virus since it began last spring. The number of deaths is projected to pass 400,000 today.