Covid-19 disrupts traditional flu season

Study reveals pandemic impact on annual patterns of common respiratory infections

A team of scientists from the Clinical Microbiology Service and the Department of Pediatrics University Clinic of Navarra According to a study published in the journal Science Infectious diseases in clinical practice

until May 2022, the traditional seasonality of influenza and syncytial viruses has been altered by covid-19.

Analysis shows that after preventive restrictions were lifted in the spring of 2021 and children and adolescents returned to school, the spread of common viruses in this age group gradually increased, showing abnormal delays and over-limit peaks. .

” Coronavirus diseaseCompared with before the epidemic, the seasonality of respiratory virus infections has changed significantly. ” Traditionally, viral epidemics such as syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza peak at specific times, but following lockdown, these patterns have changed.

Seasonal recovery and post-pandemic changes

“At the same time, influenza epidemics usually occur between November and December and March and April. They will not basically disappear until December in 2021. The maximum peak of the epidemic will occur between March and May 2022. At present, we have Restored the seasonality of both. Epidemic,” Inigo added.

The study also highlights changes in diagnostic algorithms during that time, characterized by the need for tests such as PCR and antigen tests due to the pandemic. The researchers pointed out that after this stage, the trend should be to return to the previous diagnostic indications for high-risk groups.

Regarding the use of masks, Inigo suggested that their use “should be recommended in the same circumstances as before the pandemic,” especially during influenza epidemics and when there are high-risk groups.

In addition, experts consider vaccination “critical” for these high-risk groups. The researchers highlight that with the implementation of RSV immunization in Spain, the number of hospital admissions and the severity of bronchiolitis symptoms in infants under 6 months of age decreased significantly.