People walk through High Line Park on July 16, 2020 in New York City. One of New York City’s most popular attractions, High Line reopened with social distancing policies as part of the Phase 3 coronavirus plan. Visitors must enter Gansevoort Road, walk through a way, stay six feet away and wear masks. (Photo by Stephanie Keith / Getty Images)
In a pandemic that does not appear to be silver-plated, there appears to be at least one additional advantage of prevention measures to limit the spread of COVID-19: a fall in flu cases.
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As a result of people being so careful with the coronavirus (the mask they wear, hand washing, constant cleaning, social distancing, all these things we put in place), the flu doesn’t spread so quickly. this winter as past winters.
“It simply came to our notice then. It’s been a dramatic drop, ”said Dr. Matt Hanson, a public health epidemiologist – Seattle and King County, on the KIRO Nights program.“ If we look at this time last year, earlier this year , maybe 200-300 cases a week were being identified, and this time, this year, they were 0, 1, 2 cases a week. “
Dr. Hanson, who is believed to be at least partly due to prevention, not only have flu figures dropped significantly this year in King County, but also the number of outbreaks and the number of deaths associated with the flu . measures taken with regard to COVID-19.
“[In] a typical year, we may get 50 outbreaks, often in long-term care centers as residences, and maybe 50 deaths. But so far this year we have not seen any deaths or outbreaks, ”said Hanson. “And while it’s a bit early, we often see the rise in January and February a little higher than, say, November and December, it’s still drastically low compared to previous years.”
This trend is also seen at the state level, with few or no cases of influenza. Nationwide, Hanson says it’s “much less than usual” based on CDC monitoring and surveillance.
“With these COVID measures in place, we see significantly lower figures,” he said, at all levels. “And I would say that this is also true at the international level, where COVID prevention measures have been taken. We are also seeing significant declines.”
As for any long-term behavioral changes that may help keep flu cases low in the coming years, Hanson hopes to keep some of the practices in place now, especially related to personal hygiene.
“I think the increase in personal prevention we’ve taken when it comes to washing our hands, using a hand sanitizer, being better for our sneezing and coughing in the elbow than in the air we have in front, “he said, explaining the things he hopes will be maintained. “I think things that are a little more meaningful in terms of the steps we’ve taken around COVID, such as wearing masks all the time away from home, social distancing, are probably harder to see happen in the long run.” .
“I think in the short term, as we go through this pandemic, of course, all of these measures are important to keep them in place,” he added. “But I think a lot of these efforts to increase our personal hygiene around respiratory viruses, I think they are improvements. I think the long-term mask to wear, to keep us away from the people we love, will probably be a little more difficult to maintain in the long and long term. “
He also hopes that some of the changes that occurred in long-term care facilities, which are often affected by the flu season, will also last.
“I would say that there have been a lot of changes within these facilities and that much more would be regulated,” he said. “And I think the benefit has been for all the respiratory viruses and the most important thing, apart from COVID, was with the flu. So I think a lot of the changes that have been introduced in these facilities will be lasting ”.
There is also another tool in our arsenal, says Hanson, against the flu vaccine. There was concern that there could be a drop in terms of health-seeking behaviors, not so many people go to their local pharmacy or doctor to get a flu shot during the ongoing COVID pandemic, but Hanson says that’s not what happened.
“As for the data we have for September and October, it actually looks pretty good,” he said. “We’ve actually vaccinated a larger percentage of the population than we had done so far the year before.”
That said, Hanson believes it is prevention efforts that have contributed to “most” of the fall in flu cases this year, although people receiving the vaccine also help.
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Some other behavioral changes, such as remote work, could also play a role in reduced cases. Dr. Hanson says this could be a good development in the future, especially during this time of year when there are more respiratory viruses like the flu.
“And then definitely I’ve also heard from a lot of people that there’s a change in culture where people listen to advice that if you blow your mind, if you don’t feel so good, don’t just take it and go to work.” , he said. “Actually, heed the advice and say, ‘You know what, he’s preparing something for me here. In fact, I’ll stay home, and maybe even call my medical provider for consultation.’ .
Aside from the flu, county health officials have also noticed lower cases of foodborne illness or other infectious diseases, which makes sense, as people probably don’t eat as much, don’t go to the movies, usually stay in house more than normal.
“I would say the big difference is that we’ve probably seen that they are respiratory viruses, such as the flu, and foodborne viruses,” he said. “These have decreased significantly.”
Earlier this year, like many health officials, Hanson says he feared a dual pandemic in which flu and COVID-19 infections could occur at the same time.
“I think, as we all know, 12 months have been very difficult for many people. And I think those who have been treating the flu for many years, of course, are always afraid of what’s to come in the fall and winter, and all this prospect of a dual pandemic and how that could potentially overwhelm our health care system. . quite worrying, “he said.” I don’t think the coverage of the flu around the flu can’t be overstated, as it’s spectacular how much it’s fallen. of some weeks in which you get no case at all “.
“So I would say it’s the silver lining. And I think that’s an advantage, an additional benefit that your listeners should know, that many of the efforts they’re making around COVID are having benefits for them and for the community around the flu and other respiratory viruses. ” , added.
Hanson says it’s not too late to get the flu shot, if you haven’t already, and tells listeners to “continue with these good preventative measures.”
“And when it’s time to line up and get the COVID-19 vaccine, I ask you to do it,” he added.
Listen to the weekly KIRO Nights from 7 to 10 pm at KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to podcast here.