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Flu activity is lowest it’s been in years, CDC says

WellMed encourages everyone to get the flu shot | SA Live | KSAT12Flu activity is at its lowest in years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it hasn’t been this low since they started collecting data in 2005. In the first week of February, just four people tested positive for flu. [TRENDING: Plan to track COVID-19 variant | NASA prepares to land Mars rover | REWATCH: Town hall on race, obstacles, opportunities]The CDC says only 189 tests submitted to its surveillance program have come back positive this season. The agency says it’s possible coronavirus mitigation efforts have kept the virus at bay.

Will there be a definitive conclusion to this pandemic? Here’s how the Spanish flu ended

Here are some key highlights of how the Spanish flu ultimately ended, and how it might correlate to the COVID-19 pandemic. History says the Spanish flu lasted from February 1918 until April 1920, but there wasn’t a definitive statement that the pandemic was over, according to Time. Of course, by then, the Spanish flu did unspeakable damage, infecting 500 million people and killing 50 million. With technology and research being nowhere close to what it is now, there was no waiting around for a vaccine to help quell the Spanish flu. That might have been the case with the Spanish flu, as people’s tolerance to the disease and willingness to social distance, wash hands and wear masks throughout increased.

Drive-thru flu shots helping Orange County health officials prepare to administer COVID-19 vaccine

In Orange County, health officials are doing their part to help Floridians get protected from the flu. The FDOH held a Drive-thru Flu Shot event Saturday at Jones High School where anyone older than six months could drive up and receive a flu shot until 3 p.m.. Best of all, it was completely free. Health officials are using events, like the drive-thru flu shots, to help them prepare to administer a COVID vaccine to the public when it becomes available. But until then, the health department is encouraging everyone to do their part and get the flu shot, adding it’s not too late. The Orange County Health Department is offering another free flu shots drive-thru event on Saturday, November 14 at Colonial Promenade Mall located at 4308 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

News 6 teams up with Centra Care: Here’s when, where to get your free flu shot

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 is once again teaming up with AdventHealth Centra Care to offer free flu shots to Central Floridians. “This year is more important than any other year that we’ve tried to convince you to get your flu shot," said Dr. Tim Hendrix, Centra Care medical director. In an effort to keep you and your family as safe as possible, there will be no walk-up flu shots this year, but we are offering two options at each event:1. Drive-up (For children and families) This option will allow you to pull your vehicle up to a tent and walk in with your family to receive your free flu shots. Drive-thru (For adults only) This option will allow you to remain in your vehicle while a nurse administers the shot.

Health experts want you to get your flu shot now -- here’s why

“If there is any season you need to get your flu shot, this is the one,” Dr. Tim Hendrix, with Advent Health Centra Care said. “COVID is a respiratory virus, we’re taking precautions against COVID and against the spread of the respiratory virus -- (precautions) that work: masks, social distancing, they work, they work really well. He said the shot doesn’t hurt too badly and that, contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. “You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. I mean, I know that people think that you can but you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.”[READ MORE: High demand for flu shots?

As world waits for COVID-19 vaccine, doctors urge people to get their flu shots early

ORLANDO, Fla. – As the world waits for a coronavirus vaccine, doctors are urging everyone to get flu shots before influenza cases in the United States become widespread. Moorjani said typically pediatricians recommend getting the flu shot before Halloween, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many offices recommended the vaccines in September. Moorjani points to a common misconception about flu shots, saying some patients think simply getting the vaccine will give them the flu. Anyone 6 months or older can safely get a flu vaccine. “The world is waiting for a coronavirus vaccine, but we do have a flu vaccine right now that is safe and is the best protection for the flu,” Moorjani said.

Do I have the flu or COVID-19? Here’s how to tell

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, we have been on high alert if someone coughs near us or we feel ourselves getting a sore throat. Not to mention, we’re probably used to hearing Cardi B yell, “Coronavirus,” as we go about our day touching different surfaces. While it may be self-explanatory, here’s how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. As with any illness, it’s best to visit a doctor if any of the symptoms get worse or last longer than two weeks. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

Double trouble: What you need to know about flu season amid COVID-19 pandemic

While we may sometimes forget that we are still in a pandemic, we should never let our guard down especially as flu season gets underway. According to health officials, flu season typically begins in late fall, with peaks in mid-to-late winter -- January to February -- and through early spring. Long story short, flu season sticks around for a while. Thirteen weeks to be exact, although, on some rare occasions, flu season can linger into May. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get the yearly flu vaccine.

Here’s how coronavirus compares to past pandemics

Here’s how the coronavirus squares up to other pandemics. 1918 InfluenzaThe 1918 flu pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. [RELATED: How coronavirus compares to other respiratory illnesses]To this date, there is no consensus regarding where the virus originated. [CORONAVIRUS: Social distancing, quarantine, isolation: Here’s the difference]SARSThe severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, according to the CDC. This new H1N1 virus contained a unique combination of influenza genes not previously identified in animals or people, according to the CDC.

Orlando passenger taken to hospital after becoming sick on Southwest flight

ORLANDO, Fla. – A passenger aboard a Southwest flight traveling from Orlando had flu-like symptoms, prompting an airport to issue a statement about the incident. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation said a sick passenger on Southwest Airlines Flight 153 arrived at T.F. Green Airport from Orlando on Tuesday. “A customer was reportedly experiencing flu-like symptoms, so our crews requested support for the individual from local EMTs. As always, safety is our uncompromising priority, and we follow all CDC reporting guidelines.”It’s not known if the passenger was tested for coronavirus.