COVID-19 and influenza: What to expect.

[2greys]

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.

(There is a video presentation as well)

newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/...

[Badbessie]

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.

[sassy59]

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

[2greys in reply to sassy59]

One of my old employees is the same and refuses to be vaccinated against flu or pneumonia.

[Izb1 in reply to sassy59]

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

[sassy59 in reply to Izb1]

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

[Izb1 in reply to sassy59]

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

[sassy59 in reply to Izb1]

I think you’re right. You take care too. Xxx😘

[moogle]

I wonder if the UK population may start wearing masks during flu season even when the covid19 situation eventually goes away?

[Izb1 in reply to moogle]

Good idea moogle, I for one will join them x