With winter fast approaching, many are wondering how COVID-19 will affect the 2020–2021 influenza season. Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and director of the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, says while it's difficult to predict exactly what will happen, the Southern Hemisphere, where the flu season is coming to an end, offers some clues.
"Interestingly enough, if we wear masks and keep our distance, what we're seeing in the Southern Hemisphere is that the influenza burden went way down. So masks work and they actually are important in decreasing the transmission of respiratory diseases," says Dr. Poland.
Strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, physical distancing and excellent hand-washing, are also going to be important to lessen flu outbreaks.
If we follow the Australian winter pattern it would appear that from their data that the incident of flu will be vastly reduced. Several comments on the Dr John videos have stated that flu as been rare during their winter. Given that people are wearing masks hand washing etc, plus the plan to vaccinate all the over 50s I hope and believe that flu this year will not be a huge factor.
Let’s hope people here take up the flu vaccine as that will be a good thing. I already know of four people who won’t have it no matter what, all in their 70’s. Xxx
I am afraid to say Carole I am one of them. After having a flu shot I was terribly ill for a long time and picked up every cough and cold and wont be having it again. I have had the flu twice in my life but that was over 30 years ago. It has to be a personal decision x
Fair enough Irene but I just worry about people. There are those who have bad experiences of course as with everything in life. Just stay safe dear friend. Wishing you well. Xxx
Bless you Carole, you have enough to worry about looking after Pete. Its great for those who can safely have the shots and think they should, but I will be wearing my mask right through the flu season I think it will really help to keep it down. Take care x
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