Each year researchers try to predict the intensity of the upcoming flu season, but the picture is extra complicated this year because of COVID-19. Last year's season was relatively mild because so many people were masking and social distancing but scientists don't know whether that will continue. There's also concern that if the flu is more prevalent this year, Colorado's hospitals will face even more challenges.
Dr. Richard Webby is an infectious disease specialist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He directs the World Health Organization's Collaborating Centre for Influenza Studies. We spoke to him last year about the 2020-21 flu season nationally and in Colorado. He returns to tell us what researchers know about this year's season.
