Rochester, N.Y.-- The flu season is off to a slow start according to Dr. John Treanor, an infectious diseases doctor at Strong Memorial Hospital.
"It certainly is an unusual flu season because of the lack of activity so far," says Treanor.
Typically by January, there are a number of flu cases, but Treanor says flu seasons can be unpredictable.
Gina Lang, owner of Pride and Joy Daycare in Henrietta, says she's noticed the relatively quiet flu season as well.
"It's definitely has been a lot slower," she says. "Typically we'll see a lot more flus and colds before Christmas."
In the meantime, Lang has been diligently teaching her students to wash their hands, cough in their elbows and use hand sanitizer.
On Monday, Rochester General and Strong Memorial Hospital both said that they have confirmed cases of the flu. Not everyone with the flu goes to the doctor's office so there could be plenty of other unconfirmed cases.
"My expectation is that [in the next few weeks] we will see an increase in flu activity," says Dr. Treanor.
Brandi Robinson says her 2-year-old daughter hasn't been sick all winter. She wonders if she has the weather to thank.
"It's been different from last year," Robinson says. "I've noticed, but the weather hasn't been as cold, and we've been able to get out in the fresh air."
Dr. Treanor says the weather may be a factor in the slow flu season.
"There are some interesting data that suggest particularly temperature and relative humidity do play a role in the transmission of the flu virus," he says. "You could guess the unusual warm weather has something to do with it."
If you haven't already, Dr. Treanor says it's not too late to get the flu vaccine.
