This winter was a complete nightmare for Americans, thanks to the raging covid-19 pandemic. But new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention go ahead to show one bright spot: the flu has been suppressed to some of the lowest levels recorded. It is likely that the interventions intended to slow the spread of covid-19, such as avoiding gatherings and wearing masks, have tried to stop the less contagious flu in its tracks, and that more people than usual have the flu vaccine.
All 50 states are currently experiencing little activity, which can normally be the tail end of the flu peak period, and the overall flu season has been peaceful from start to finish. According to the CDC, the country’s cumulative hospitalization rate due to flu is lower than it was during a flu season dating back to 2005, when the country began collecting this type of data regularly. And perhaps most importantly, there has been only a single death reported in children’s flu this winter. Contrast this with the cruel, record setting Flu season 2017-2018, when it is over 60.000 Americans, including 186 children, have died from the virus.
While the numbers are good news, it’s a bit unexpected. Last fall, many scientists were sincere worried on the possibility of a ‘twindemie’ of influenza and covid-19. Covid-19 has certainly sustained its end of the bargain, with more deaths and hospitalizations this winter than any other point of the pandemic. Yet there was testimony in other countries that experienced flu this season earlier this year, it would be mild for many understandable reasons.
Although both influenza and covid-19 are caused by viruses that spread through the respiratory system through infectious aerosols and droplets, the coronavirus is more contagious than the influenza virus in the garden. Interventions that reduce the chance of spreading covid-19, such as regular hand washing, masking or simply keeping away, are therefore likely to be more effective for flu. This can be especially important when it comes to schools, as children in normal times often give rise to flu outbreaks. Vaccination probably also plays a role. Early data has suggested that the uptake of vaccines is higher than in the past year, and higher rates were credited for the success of other countries in keeping flu levels low.
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Influenza is not the only disease that has been suppressed, thanks to pandemic-related measures. Last summer, an expected increase in children developing polio-like paralysis never occurred, as infection rates of the common cold virus it can cause it to decrease at about the same time. Other common diseases, such as norovirus, has also taken a dive in recent years.
Of course, keeping the security of the pandemic safe does not come without its social and spiritual costs. And the silence in these seasonal diseases can mean that we will see spikes of these diseases as soon as people go back to their normal routine. But there is a lesson for future flu seasons: maybe we can never eradicate flu, but a little more washing, vaccination and staying home when you are sick – or wearing a mask when you are sick and need to go out – should undoubtedly be makes it less of a seasonal threat.