Influenza numbers below average, possibly due to COVID measures

City News Service

The number of influenza cases in San Diego County is below average this season, which public health officials at least partly attributed to COVID-19 measures such as social distancing and face coverings.

The county Health and Human Services Agency reported 139 lab-confirmed flu cases for the week ending Saturday, a decrease from the previous week’s 185.

“We’re seeing record numbers of COVID-19 infections in our community right now, and you don't want to get the flu and COVID at the same time,” Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county deputy public health officer, said. “Get vaccinated agai...