UNMC: Flu numbers down in recent years, but that may not continue

OMAHA, Neb.—Flu season is here.

UNMC's Infectious Diseases Division Chief Dr. Mark Rupp said it hasn't picked up in our neck of the woods yet, but that's about to change.

"Chances are that we will start to see flu come into the region here later this fall, early this winter," Dr. Rupp said. "If you were playing the bets, you would say that this would peak sometime in perhaps January or February."

He said the community has seen limited influenza cases in the last two years, partially because viruses actually compete with each other.

"We don't fully understand all of the population genetics, the viral competition that is playing," Rupp said. "Clearly, over the last few years, we've had a lot more COVID, and so I think that to some degree, COVID has just pushed other viruses out of the way."

He also believes social distancing and wearing masks to fight COVID-19 transmission has also put a damper on the flu, but that it wouldn't be wise to assume lower flu numbers will continue this year though.

Like COVID, it can be serious. Infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions are more likely to have serious cases.

Rupp said he doesn't have any numbers on how many folks in the community have gotten the flu vaccine, but he recommends they get the shot, even if it's not the perfect solution.

"In most years, it's about 50 percent effective in preventing influenza. It does prevent the severe disease, hospitalization and death that can be associated with flu."

If you would like more information on influenza, click here.