| There has essentially been no flu season in 2020/2021 23:22 - Feb 15 with 3488 views | StokieBlue |
The measures taken to control C19 have effectively eliminated the flu season this year. It's been similar in most countries (including the UK) but the figures from the US show that there have been only 1316 positive flu cases when last year by this time there were 129,997 positive cases (only 155 people have been hospitalised with flu this season).
Many people seem to be citing that if we can get C19 to the level we "accept" for flu deaths then we can live with that but surely the we should question whether we should accept those flu deaths at all?
Flu is less contagious than C19, the R is lower and thus measures to restrict it don't have to be as draconian as C19. A few simple things like washing hands habitually, limited social distancing and wearing masks (perhaps even just when you feel unwell to protect others) could make a massive difference to the flu deaths.
I've also seen people saying they can't wait to stop wearing masks (which I can understand) but if it was only in certain circumstances then surely it would be worth it to vastly reduce flu deaths? The argument that we can accept C19 at current flu levels can surely be extended to say that we shouldn't accept flu at current levels given it's not as contagious and those deaths can be reduced with some fairly simple measures?
There was a woman on Newsnight this evening who put forward a similar argument very well and it's worth a watch.
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/22272237/flu-cases-down-historic-what-doe
SB |  |
| |  |
| There has essentially been no flu season in 2020/2021 on 10:31 - Feb 16 with 199 views | bluelagos |
| There has essentially been no flu season in 2020/2021 on 10:13 - Feb 16 by Sarge |
Hopefully the culture of commuting to work at all will stop. Workplaces and commuters must contribute massively to any kind of infectious transmission and I’m sure most of us don’t want (or need) to be in the office full time anyway |
Green benefits too.
I reckon many offices will move to 1 or 2 days a week in the office.
Also lots of others will soon be commuting by 2 wheels (Powered or not) given the avoidance of a crowded bus/train. |  |
| |
| There has essentially been no flu season in 2020/2021 on 10:56 - Feb 16 with 174 views | StokieBlue |
| There has essentially been no flu season in 2020/2021 on 10:31 - Feb 16 by GeoffSentence |
One other point is that flu vaccinations were extended to the over 50s this year as well. So on top of the covid restrictions, which actually were pretty loose right up to December, we also have a bunch of people vaccinated who may previously have been a reservoir of infection. Just keeping the extended flu vaccination program will probably go a long way to keeping flu down. |
Flu vaccinations certainly played a part but from the articles I read most experts thought that was very much secondary to the C19 measures.
Flu vaccines don't usually have a very high efficacy. Certainly should continue vaccinating though given supplies in the future.
SB | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
