The flu season in the U.S. is getting worse with 38 states reporting high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses.

Masking, distancing and travel guidelines have kept flu numbers low to non-existent globally, which leaves little data for researchers trying to predict which strains will be most infections next season.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – As we’re all anxiously awaiting a vaccine for the coronavirus, don’t forget about getting your flu vaccine. But this year, how will you know if you have the flu or COVID-19? COVID and the flu have similar symptoms, but the COVID-19 virus often causes a loss of taste or smell. Experts say it’s possible and some are wondering if the flu vaccine will protect them against COVID-19. Right now, the CDC says it does seem as though COVID-19 is more deadly than the seasonal flu, but that could change as researchers continue to analyze the data.