Data suggests that in 2020, the total number of flu cases was 2,752 with 44 deaths as opposed to 28,798 cases and 1,218 deaths in 2019. Besides the decrease in the number of testing, along with the similarities in the symptoms of COVID and flu, doctors believe that masking and social distancing is what curbed the spread of the viruses.

However, currently, experts have observed a sudden spike in the number of flu cases, not just in India but globally.

That said, at a time when both COVID-19 and the flu are taking a severe toll on people’s health, getting your vaccines is extremely important.

Read more: Flu cases on the rise: What is the best time to get a flu shot? Who needs a flu vaccine and when?