Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

September 17, 2020

Decreased Influenza Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, 2020

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  • There was a 61% decrease in the US in the number of respiratory specimens submitted for influenza testing during the COVID-19 pandemic (49,696 per week during September 29, 2019–February 29, 2020 vs. 19,537 during March 1–May 16, 2020). The rate of test positive decreased by 98% (19% vs. 0.3%) and has remained at historically low inter-seasonal levels (0.2% in 2020 vs. 1–2% in 2017-2019). The authors state that some of the mitigation measures for the COVID-19 pandemic might have a role in preventing influenza in future seasons, but that influenza vaccination of all persons aged ≥6 months remains especially important in the United States this fall and winter when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus might co-circulate.

Olsen et al. (Sept 18, 2020). Decreased Influenza Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6937a6