As we move toward fall , the best things we can do to prepare for the coinciding flu season and global COVID-19 pandemic are get vaccinated against the flu and practice good hand hygiene and social distancing measures .”
Only time and experience will tell .”
Understanding transmission dynamics could be critical to stopping the spread of both pathogens . As we know , influenza and COVID-19 are both primarily spread via small , virus-laced particles — respiratory droplets — that are released when an infected person coughs , sneezes , talks or exhales . Someone who is nearby may inhale these droplets or become infected through physical contact , like handshaking or hugging , followed by touching their own nose or mouth . Both COVID-19 and the flu can be transmitted by pre-symptomatic , asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic individuals . As the ASM ( 2020 ) reminds us , “ Influenza virus can remain infectious on surfaces outside of the body for up to 48 hours , which means that it ’ s possible to get sick by touching an object or surface that has recently been coughed on , sneezed on or touched by someone who has the flu . There is evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 RNA may remain present on objects and surfaces for extended periods of time , but how long the virus remains infectious outside of the body has yet to be definitively determined … Fortunately , both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus are sensitive to alcohol-based sanitizers and soap , and good hand hygiene is an effective way to reduce transmission .” The organization adds , “ As we move toward fall , the best things we can do to prepare for the coinciding flu season and global COVID-19 pandemic are get vaccinated against the flu and practice good hand hygiene and social distancing measures .”
As we face an uncertain winter , Belongia and Osterholm ( 2020 ) observe , “ The world is in uncharted waters for the 2020 respiratory virus season . For the first time in modern history , the Northern Hemisphere faces the prospect of the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic and a simultaneous epidemic of seasonal influenza . Each causes life-threatening illness and death , especially in older adults , people with chronic diseases , and other vulnerable populations . How can we prepare for this convergence ?”
They add , “ Almost nothing is known about the interaction of influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 ( SARS-CoV-2 , the cause of COVID-19 ) within individuals . Does coinfection increase the risk of severe illness or amplify virus shedding ? Much of the population remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 , and the stress on hospitals will be greatest if the COVID-19 and influenza epidemics overlap and peak around the same time . It is possible that the number of individuals infected with each virus will peak at different times , reducing the peak demand for hospital beds . If a surge in COVID-19 cases occurs this fall , tightening mitigation strategies will be necessary . Social distancing and stay-at-home orders are socially and economically disruptive , but can reduce demand on hospitals and protect vulnerable populations . They will also reduce transmission of other respiratory viruses , including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus . Supplies of personal protective equipment must sufficiently meet the projected demand of a severe influenza season along with COVID-19 .”
Resources will continue to be in high demand , and as Rubin ( 2020 ) points out , another reason it is important to determine whether respiratory symptoms are due to influenza or to COVID-19 ( or both ) is that “ mitigation efforts for the former aren ’ t as strict as for the latter . Without quickly learning which virus they have , some people with COVID-19 during flu season might mistakenly attribute their symptoms to influenza and not take the necessary precautions to prevent spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ), which is more easily transmitted . In addition , distinguishing between COVID-19 and influenza will be vital for disease surveillance ; Given the overlap of symptoms , systematic testing for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza will be needed during the upcoming flu season to determine the contributions of each viral illness to the burden of respiratory disease .”
Vanderbilt University ’ s Tom Talbot acknowledges that co-infections could have a significant impact on hospital staffing , resources , and healthcare capacity .
“ I think even in absence of co-infection , a robust respiratory virus season could have major impacts ,” Talbot says . “ If we have a surge in other respiratory viral infections , like influenza or RSV with their usual impact , that could further stress a healthcare system ( resources , staffing , capacity , etc .). I also think there will be an added layer of complexity for clinicians in terms of evaluation of patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms . As these are also found with COVID , questions on diagnostic testing approaches , clinical management , and treatment remain . Should such a patient be tested for both COVID and influenza ? Influenza only once COVID test negative ? Treat empirically for influenza if COVID negative and community has circulation of influenza ? There ’ s also the issue of testing resources , as testing for influenza may involve the same personnel and resources being used for COVID testing .”
What ’ s more , COVID-19 fatigue is abounding , and healthcare epidemiologists , infection preventionists and occupational health personnel are keenly aware of the need to help their facilities and employees regroup , apply what they learned from early-COVID experiences and lessons from previous flu seasons .
“ This is one of our big challenges ,” Talbot confirms . “ We ’ re all tired , have worked tirelessly , have seen the impact of COVID ( perhaps personally ), and now are likely entering a third wave as influenza season approaches . I think recognizing that our colleagues are tired , anxious , and frustrated is important . Be transparent with guidance and