Where has all the winter flu gone? A case of seasonal flu has still been confirmed here, although it is unlikely that we will completely escape the virus.
But, for now at least, a potential killer virus is at bay as we fight Covid-19.
The very low level of influenza in general in Europe is a ray of light of the pandemic, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has attributed it to anti-Covid habits such as physical distancing, hand washing and the use of masks.
Winter 2020
The most recent report on influenza surveillance here confirmed that no cases of influenza have yet been detected.
This is verified by GPs and other sources who submit suspicious samples for laboratory analysis. This is how flu levels are measured each year and controlled.
Winter 2019
The same surveillance that covered the period through the end of November last year found the incidence of influenza to be at a moderate level.
At that time, 70 patients had been hospitalized during the previous weeks for the flu. In one week, 63 cases of flu were diagnosed, with no deaths.
The flu is unpredictable and sometimes strikes early or late. The worst time for a possible flu spike is after Christmas, when hospital emergency departments are busy and there are more patients in carts.
During a traditional Christmas, family gatherings also lead to transmission, often to older people.
There has been a great acceptance of the flu vaccine this year, although not everyone who sought it received the vaccine. However, this will give you a good degree of protection if the flu arrives.
RSV in children
This is a common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they turn two. In older children it causes a cough or cold, while in younger groups it causes bronchitis. This time last year, the cases spiked and nearly 500 of the infections were reported.
However, so far only one case has been diagnosed this winter in a boy, who was later hospitalized.
Common cold
Many different respiratory viruses can cause the winter cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common. They have been increasing here since September. Last year the common colds also circulated in children after they returned to school.
Global report
The WHO said that various hygiene and physical distancing measures implemented to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus have likely played a role in reducing the spread of the flu.
The lower amount of international travel is also a contributing factor.
The WHO said that globally, despite influenza testing continuing or even increasing in some countries, activity remains lower than expected for this time of year.
In the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, influenza activity remains below seasonal levels, although sporadic detections of influenza A and B viruses have been reported.
Not all it’s rigth
Some scientists predict an increase in flu cases next winter, a study warns.
This year’s apparent bonus in our infection control behavior could have an impact in the years to come, because it will increase the pool of susceptible people.
If Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out to more people over the next year, people are likely to be less diligent about hand washing and physical distancing, allowing regular seasonal viruses to take hold. Some predict epidemics once travel is resumed.
There may also be problems formulating the next winter’s flu vaccine.