"Twindemic" averted as flu reports plummet amid coronavirus crisis

Reports of the flu have "virtually disappeared" in the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic, the AP reports, during a season when the disease would otherwise be packing doctors' offices and hospitals.

The intrigue: The drop in flu illnesses is in part a byproduct of efforts intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 — like wearing masks, social distancing, and remote schooling, experts tell AP. The significant drop in travel, as well as a public push to encourage people to get the flu vaccine, also likely had an effect.

The bottom line: Nationally, Centers for Disease Control scientist Lynnette Bramme said it's likely the "lowest flu season we've had on record," according to a surveillance system that has been operating for 25 years.

• "The numbers are astonishing considering flu has long been the nation’s biggest infectious disease threat," AP writes.
• The flu typically results in 600,000 to 800,000 hospitalizations a year, and between 50,000 and 60,000 deaths.

The big picture: Flu activity has also been down in China, Europe, South Africa, Australia and other parts of the globe during their respective peak seasons as well.