Well, this is my very first post. I have been following this forum for the past 4 years and have just been blown away and amazed with the wealth of info, knowledge, and common sense that is shared. Finally got up the nerve to open my mouth. I am happy to be here with all of you but at the same time,admitting my extreme concern and sadness about what we are all dealing with. I want to know the truth but am also afraid of hearing it.

So far, nothing is making sense here in the US. Flu cases peaked in late December and dropped steadily for weeks afterward. A second surge began in late January, and a little over a week ago another rise occurred. It is fair to say that the true peak has not yet occurred.

Is it the flu or is it coronavirus? Infectious disease doctors agree that confusion exists about whether people are getting sick with the flu or coronavirus.

So far, 92 flu-related deaths have been children, a higher total at this point in the year than in the past decade. Also, hospitalizations are much higher at this point than ever seen in the past.

When are these 5 cities going to start testing all people with flu-like symptoms for coronavirus like the CDC said was going to happen a few days ago? Who knows how many people have what? I guess it's going to take a few more weeks to obtain a better picture. One thing I have noticed is for such a busy season,there has not been the normal "hub-bub" about crowded ER's and doctors offices that you normally hear about.