Influenza is a serious global health threat that impacts all countries: every year, up to 650 000 people die of respiratory diseases related to seasonal influenza.
Historically, around a billion people get sick with influenza every year. But last year this number plummeted, with global influenza activity reaching an all-time low during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Northern Hemisphere, infections detected during the last influenza season were just a fraction of those detected in the previous three seasons. Specifically, between September 2020 and January 2021, the percent positivity for influenza viruses in all specimens tested by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) was less than 0.2%, compared with 17% for the same reporting periods from 2017–2020.
The huge drop in influenza activity is thought to be a direct result of public health measures and social restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19. But these measures are being eased, and every day fewer people are adhering to protective measures. Could this fuel an uptick in flu cases this year? GISRS surveillance data suggest that it will, with a slight rise in specimens testing positive for influenza that were reported to FluNet compared to last year already noted for July and August.
How do I prevent influenza?
The best way to avoid influenza is to get a vaccine.
WHO recommends annual influenza vaccination for specific target groups: pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy; children aged between 6 months to 5 years; older adults (aged more than 65 years); individuals with chronic medical conditions; and health workers.
Other ways you can help prevent influenza include:
- Wash your hands regularly, including drying them properly.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then dispose of it correctly.
- Self-isolate if you feel unwell, are feverish or have other influenza symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.