Utah

Utah Reports Flu Cases Down, Coronavirus Cases Up

Published

4 years ago

December 22, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY — Health officials in Utah have said the state is in the lowest category of reported flu cases, along with much of the country as coronavirus cases are on the rise.

Republican Gov. Gary Herbert made a push for residents to get the influenza A and B vaccine early in the season, KUTV-TV reported.

“This year, it is more important than any before to get your flu shot. By getting vaccinated, you are greatly reducing your risk of becoming sick and thereby saving critical hospital space for others,” Herbert said.

A weekly map of the U.S. shows the entire country has low to moderate flu activity, with the exception of Oklahoma. More than 650 people of all ages have been diagnosed with influenza A or B across the country, officials said.

Health officials previously warned of a “twindemic” with coronavirus cases on the rise, but that has not happened with flu cases at record lows nationwide. Flu vaccine doses are also readily available because of low cases.

Some have contributed the low numbers to social distancing, masks and stay-at-home orders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 75 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations between Oct. 1 and Dec. 12 were reported by FluSurv-NET sites.