With so much focus on the coronavirus, it’s easy to forget that we’re in the middle of flu season. “I generally see two or three influenza patients a week during flu season,” said Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist. “This flu season, I have seen exactly two influenza patients for the entire season.”The latest surveillance report from the Texas Department of State Health Services said flu activity is low across the state. “Countries that have not stepped back on their testing are seeing historically low numbers.”Yancey credits the use of masks for helping to keep flu cases low. Yancey warned that flu season isn’t over and peaks can happen later in the season.

A flu vaccine is administered to National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) staff members in Bethesda, Md., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Federica Narancio)October is prime time for flu vaccinations, and the U.S. and Europe are gearing up for what experts hope is high demand as countries seek to avoid a “twindemic” with COVID-19. Be patient: Flu vaccine ships gradually. France has ordered 30% more flu vaccine than last year, with first shots given to the high risk as inoculations begin later this month. Italy also lowered the threshold — from age 65 to 60 — for receiving the flu vaccine free of charge.