Feb 26, 2021
NEW YORK (AP) February is usually the peak of flu season, with doctors’ offices and hospitals packed with suffering patients. But not this year.
Flu has virtually disappeared from the U.S., with reports coming in at far lower levels than anything seen in decades.
Experts say that measures put in place to fend off the coronavirus mask wearing, social distancing and virtual schooling were a big factor in preventing a “twindemic” of flu and COVID-19. A push to get more people vaccinated against flu probably helped, too, as did fewer people traveling, they say.
Another possible explanation: The coronavirus has essentially muscled aside flu and other bugs that are more common in the fall and winter. Scientists don’t fully understand the mechanism behind that, but it would be consistent with patterns seen when certain flu strains predominate over others, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a flu expert at the University of Michigan.
ALAN HALL and ERIKA GRUBBS
POLIO IMMUNIZATION AT MINGO JUNCTION Pictured are the first of 502 Mingo Junction boys and girls who received their first polio immunization shots Feb. 28, 1957, during a special clinic at the school administration office. Diana Caranda receives her shot from Dr. J.W. Albaugh, rear left. Mary Ann Anderson received her shot from Dr. Fred H. Birney, lower right. Assisting the doctors were, from left, Mrs. Eleanor Smith; registered nurses Mrs. Thomas Banbridge, Mrs. Emory V. Hendon and Miss Bertha Kendrach; and Mrs. John West, with her back to the camera. Also assisting were Drs. J.P. Cava and Paul Ruksha; registered nurses Mrs. Joseph Connors and Miss Marian Sinclair; and Mrs. Gale McGee, Mrs. Trevor Jones, Mrs. William Wilson, Mrs. William Morris, Mrs. Merrill M. Dennis, Mrs. Willian McGough, Mrs. Earl Knight and Mrs. William Dawson. The clinic was planned and directed by Miss Martha E. Rex, the Mingo school nurse. (Contributed photo)
Germantown tile maker gets creative to keep business going amid pandemic
WPVI
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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) Tile maker Karen Singer has been creating masterpieces in her Germantown studio for more than 20 years. People like to think of what I do as the icing on the cake, said Singer. You know the crowning glory. The cherry on top of the sundae, Singer said.
Singer s art is displayed in places of worship, hospitals, retirement homes, and nonprofits. But the pandemic has taken a toll on fundraising efforts, and business for her has drastically slowed down. It s very difficult. Particularly at this time when people are letting employees go, she said. Without help, it s hard to keep it going. The electric company isn t going to say to me: OK, that s fine, you can just wait.