The NBC News affiliate in Seattle, Washington is making a pretty bold claim about influenza from over the past year.
According to University of Washington's medical researchers there have been exactly zero deaths caused by the flu this year.
Zero! In the other entire state.
In 2019 there were two hundred and forty five lab-confirmed influenza deaths and one hundred and forty eight influenza-like illness outbreaks in long term care facilities.
But not this year!
Is it possible that some of the recorded COVID deaths were actually flu deaths?
The number of deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic is staggering, but there is one statistic that stands out: since coronavirus took hold in Washington, the number of deaths attributed to the common flu is zero.
With businesses closed, streets vacant, restaurants empty — coronavirus has taken a costly toll on our communities. But one positive side effect of all that staying home is that influenza has been essentially wiped out this season.
"This year really has been a historic low for influenza," said UW Medicine infectious disease specialist Dr. Nandita Mani.
It is the first time in recorded history, at least 100 years, there have been zero seasonal flu deaths in Washington. Last season, 114 deaths from flu were reported in the state.
SEATTLE, WA - FEBRUARY 17: Lin Wilson, who goes by Captain Quidel, stands near the Quidel Flu Bug, which is topped with a giant replica virus, on February 17, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. Wilson travels around the region while working as a volunteer and making appearances at popular attractions as part of her marketing job. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)