The “dramatic drop” in the case of influenza is the “silver lining” of COVID prophylaxis

People will walk the High Line Park in New York City on July 16, 2020. The High Line, one of New York City’s most popular attractions, has reopened with social distance policy as part of its Phase 3 coronavirus program. The visitor is Gansevoort St. You need to get in, walk one way, stay 6 feet away, and wear a mask. (Photo by Stephanie Keith / Getty Images)

Pandemics that do not have a silver lining have at least one additional benefit of precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. It is a reduction in influenza cases.

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As a result of people’s great attention to the coronavirus, wearing masks, washing hands, constant cleaning, social distance, all of which we have done, the flu spreads as rapidly as this winter. there is no. Past winter.

“It’s very impressive. It was a dramatic depression,” said medical epidemiologist Dr. Matt Hanson. Public Health — Seattle and King County, Said KIRO Night Show.. “Looking at this time last year, perhaps 200-300 cases per week were identified earlier this year, but this year there were 0, 1 or 2 cases per week.”

Not only has the number of influenza cases dropped significantly this year in King County, but the number of influenza-related outbreaks and deaths has also declined, Dr. Hanson said. This is believed to be preventative, at least in part. Measures taken regarding COVID-19.

“”[In] In a typical year, there are probably 50 outbreaks in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home, with the potential for 50 deaths. But so far this year, there have been no deaths or outbreaks, “Hanson said. “And it’s a bit early — January and February spikes are often a bit higher than, for example, November and December — but still dramatically lower than the previous year.”

This trend is also seen at the state level, with few or no cases of influenza. At the national level, Hanson states that it is “much less than usual” based on CDC tracking and surveillance.

“These COVID measures have been implemented, which has significantly reduced them,” he said at all levels. “And I think it’s the same internationally where COVID precautions are being implemented, but there is also a significant reduction.”

With regard to long-term behavioral changes that may help control influenza cases in the future, Hanson hopes that some of the practices currently in place will continue, especially in relation to personal hygiene. I’m out.

“I think the increase in personal precautions we have taken regarding washing hands with hand sanitizers is better for sneezing and coughing on the elbows than for the air in front of us,” he said. Explained. What he wants will stick. “In terms of the steps we have taken to avoid COVID, a little more important is to wear a mask whenever you are outside the house, social distance, etc. These are probably long-term. . “

“For the time being, this pandemic is happening, and of course I think it’s important to implement all of these measures,” he added. “But I think many of these efforts to improve our personal hygiene around respiratory viruses are improvements. Wearing long-term masks away from the people we love. I think it’s probably a little more difficult to maintain in the long run. “

He also hopes that some of the changes that have taken place in care facilities that are often hit during the flu season will continue as well.

“I think a lot of changes have been made within these facilities and the regulations on these facilities have been significantly tightened,” he said. “And I think all the respiratory viruses benefited, and most importantly, the flu was all but COVID, so I think many of the changes made at these facilities will last.”

Hanson says there is another tool in our arsenal to combat the flu vaccine. Although not many people go to local pharmacies and doctors to get a flu shot during an ongoing COVID pandemic, there was concern that health care-seeking behavior could be reduced, but Hanson said. He says it didn’t happen.

“When it comes to September and October data, it actually looks pretty good,” he said. “We actually vaccinated most of the population compared to the previous year.”

That said, Hanson believes that preventive efforts have contributed to “most” of the decline in influenza cases this year, but vaccinated people do help.

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Several other behavioral changes, such as working from home, can also play a role in diminished cases. Dr. Hanson said this could be a good development in the future, especially during this time of year when respiratory viruses such as the flu are prevalent.

“And I’ve certainly heard from many that a little cultural change is happening. People are advised that if you have a snuff, if you feel sick, it’s not free. Good luck and go to work, “he said. “You actually listen to the advice and say,’What do you know, I’m brewing something here.'” I’m actually going to stay home, and maybe I’ll call my healthcare provider to see me. “

In addition to influenza, county health officials have found fewer cases of food poisoning and other infectious diseases. This means that people don’t eat out much, don’t go to the movies, and stay home more than usual.

“The big difference is that what we’ve seen is probably food-borne with respiratory viruses such as the flu,” he said. “They have decreased significantly.”

Earlier this year, Hanson said he was afraid of a double pandemic in which influenza and COVID-19 infection could occur at the same time, as many health officials did.

“As you know, 12 months was very difficult for many people. Of course, people who have been working on the flu for many years are always afraid of what happens in the fall and winter. I’m pretty worried about this overall outlook for a double pandemic and how it could overwhelm our healthcare system. ” “I don’t think the silver lining around the flu can be exaggerated because it’s dramatic how much it has fallen. And I think it’s a few weeks when you receive essentially no cases at all. You wouldn’t have expected it to be low to the point. “

“I think it’s a silver lining. And that’s an advantage, an additional advantage that listeners should be aware of, and much of the effort surrounding COVID is with themselves and around influenza and other respiratory viruses. I think it benefits the community, “he added.

Hanson says it’s not too late if he hasn’t been vaccinated against the flu and tells listeners to “maintain these good precautions.”

“And when it’s time to get the COVID-19 vaccine in line, I recommend doing so,” he added.

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