Will Influenza Reignite this Flu Season?

The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions (physical distancing, staying home) reduced the transmission of some viral respiratory pathogens such as influenza viruses, stated the U.S. CDC report issued on July 23, 2021.

In the USA, influenza activity initially decreased in March 2020, was historically low infection rates reported through the summer of 2020.

From October 3, 2020–May 22, 2021, influenza activity was lower than during any previous flu season since 1997, the first season for which data are publicly available, says the CDC.

Furthermore, the 2021-2022 influenza season is expected to begin in the fall, with many unanswerable questions. Such as when should people get their flu shot? Should flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines be co-administered? 

The CDC says 'Clinicians should be aware of increased circulation, sometimes offseason, of some respiratory viruses and consider multi pathogen testing. In addition to recommended preventive actions, fall influenza vaccination campaigns are important as schools and workplaces resume in-person activities with relaxed COVID-19 mitigation practices.'

'Clinicians should be aware that respiratory viruses might not exhibit typical seasonal circulation patterns and that a resumption of circulation of certain respiratory viruses is occurring. Therefore, an increased index of suspicion and testing for multiple respiratory pathogens remain important,' stated the CDC.

Most people over 6-months of age are encouraged to get vaccinated every flu season since influenza infections can create severe consequences, said the CDC.

The most common flu shot in the Northern Hemisphere are quadrivalent vaccines that protect people against four viruses: influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses, said the CDC.

The flu CDC report is available on this weblink. Corresponding authors: Sonja Olsen, [email protected]; Amber Winn, [email protected].