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2020/12/05 05:30 Weather news
There is concern about the simultaneous influenza epidemic and the new corona, but so far there are only a few influenza patients in the entire country, and it seems that it is far from the epidemic. Isn’t there a flu epidemic this winter?
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare publishes the number of influenza patients nationwide each week. According to him, the number of patients for 13 weeks from August 31 to November 29 is 263. Last year there were 98,279 people in the same period. It has decreased by 99.7% compared to last year. Due to the early rise in infections last season, the epidemic season began in the week of November 4 (45 weeks), but this season the number of weekly reports is less than a hundredth. Why has the number of patients with influenza drastically decreased?
“For various reasons, many people wear masks and wash their hands to prevent infection with the novel corona virus, which appears to reduce the number of patients with influenza. Both influenza and the novel corona are splashes. Corona prevent influenza because it is transmitted by contact, “says Katsuaki Yoshida, director of Yokohama Aihara Hospital (Seya Ward, Yokohama City), who is familiar with infectious diseases.
This year, the decrease in human exchanges with foreign countries due to travel restrictions after March is believed to be reducing the number of influenza patients. The southern hemisphere, which has half a year off, and the tropical and subtropical areas, which prevail regardless of the season. Immigrants from the region are said to be involved in the winter flu epidemic. It seems that such a decline in human exchanges is suppressing the epidemic. “(Director Yoshida)
By the way, it is said that this year there was no influenza epidemic in Australia and New Zealand in the southern hemisphere. Human interaction between the northern and southern hemispheres may have contributed to the influenza epidemic.
Another reason for the low number of influenza patients is the “virus interference” hypothesis. When cells in the body become infected with a virus, they are less likely to become infected with other viruses.
“However, in Japan, where there are not as many people infected by corona as in Europe and the United States, it is doubtful that the new corona can eliminate influenza. Cases of simultaneous infection with influenza and new corona have also been reported,” said the Dr. Yoshida.
“In some cases, we may refrain from seeing a doctor for fear of corona infection, but the habit of wearing masks, washing hands and disinfectants can be said to reduce the prevalence of infections.” (Director Yoshida)
Isn’t there a flu epidemic this winter?
“So far there are no signs of an epidemic, but we cannot let our guard down. Like the new Crown, a cluster of influenza infections in a population or region can spread rapidly. Vaccines If you have not been vaccinated, it is a good idea continue vaccination. ” (Director Yoshida)
The new Crown has changed our lives significantly, but it may have changed the annual influenza epidemic. However, it is not unusual for an outbreak to occur at any time, so I would like to continue to spend my time without being distracted.
