prompter: How many influenza cases were there in the USA in the year 2020-2021?

assistant: First, keep in mind that as an AI language model I am prone to giving factually incorrect information sometimes. For important topics such as medicine, always verify any information given using reliable sources, such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which publishes reliable information on influenza cases in the USA.

As far as I know, the CDC states that the 2020-2021 flu season had an unusually low level of cases, with 1,675 (0.2%) of 818,939 respiratory specimens testing positive. This is in comparison to between 26.2% and 30.3% before the pandemic. This may be because of measures intended to protect against COVID-19. Note that this is only for the samples that were tested; the real number of cases is harder to predict. However, please make sure to cross-reference these numbers with official sources where possible.

prompter: What are symptoms of the flu?

assistant: According to the CDC, the flu mainly causes the following symptoms:

- fever, or feeling feverish or chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue
- vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Though most people can recover from the flu in a few days to less than two weeks, some can develop complications, including:

- sinus and ear infections
- pneumonia
- myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- myositis and rhabdomyolysis (inflammation of muscle tissues)
- multi-organ failure
- sepsis (extreme inflammatory response triggered by respiratory tract infection)
- worsen chronic medical problems

assistant: Flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

1. Fever: A high temperature is a common symptom of the flu, usually above 100.4°F (38°C).
2. Chills: Feeling cold or shivering even when you're not in a cold environment.
3. Muscle or body aches: Flu often causes aching muscles, especially in the back, arms, and legs.
4. Headache: Moderate to severe headaches are common with the flu.
5. Fatigue: Feeling weak, tired, or exhausted is a typical symptom of the flu.
6. Cough: A dry, persistent cough is often present with the flu.
7. Sore throat: An irritated or painful throat is another symptom of the flu.
8. Runny or stuffy nose: Nasal congestion or a runny nose can occur with the flu.
9. Loss of appetite: Decreased appetite or not feeling hungry is common during a flu infection.

In some cases, people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although these symptoms are more common in children than adults.

It's important to note that flu symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory infections, including COVID-19. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Always remember that I'm an AI language model, and while I strive to provide accurate information, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

prompter: What treatments are available for people with the flu?

assistant: The flu, or influenza, is usually self-limiting and resolves on its own within a few days to a week, but in some cases, it can lead to complications that may require medical treatment. There are several treatments available for people with the flu, including:

1. **Antiviral medications**: Prescription antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab) can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of illness onset. These medications work by stopping the virus from replicating in the body.

2. **Over-the-counter medications**: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve fever and body aches associated with the flu. Decongestants and cough suppressants may also be helpful for symptom relief.

3. **Fluids and rest**: Resting and staying hydrated are important for recovery from the flu. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and soup, can help keep you hydrated and loosen congestion.

4. **Prevention**: The best way to avoid the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of the flu if you do get sick.

It is important to note that antibiotics are not effective in treating the flu, as the flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria. If you have the flu and are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.

assistant: During the 2020-2021 flu season, there was very low circulation of seasonal flu viruses. From September 27, 2020–May 22, 2021 in the United States, only 0.2% of clinical samples tested were positive for an influenza virus1. Is there anything else you would like to know?

prompter: 0.2% seems pretty low. In reality, can we claim that this rate is higher considering that there are people who do not go to the hospital even though they are sick?

assistant: Yes, it is possible that the reported rate of influenza cases during the 2020-2021 season in the United States is an underestimate due to factors such as people not seeking medical care for flu-like symptoms.

It's important to note that the 2,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported by the CDC during the 2020-2021 season only represent a small portion of the actual number of people who may have been infected with the flu during that time. Many people who become sick with the flu may not seek medical care, particularly if their symptoms are mild. This could lead to an underestimation of the true number of influenza cases.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the reported number of influenza cases during the 2020-2021 season may have been affected by changes in testing practices and healthcare-seeking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, some people may have been more likely to seek medical care for flu-like symptoms during the pandemic, while others may have avoided medical care due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19.

Therefore, while the reported rate of influenza cases during the 2020-2021 season in the United States was low, it's possible that the true number of cases was higher.

assistant: Yes, it is possible that the actual number of cases is higher than reported. However, CDC's influenza surveillance system is designed to track influenza activity in the United States and provides a more accurate picture of influenza activity in the country.

assistant: The CDC does not provide estimates of the number of influenza cases in the United States during the 2020-2021 flu season.