For many, the restrictions put in place to manage coronavirus have been life-style changing and in a lot of cases, unwelcomed. While most people understand the necessity of the restrictions to help to decrease viral reduction rates, the following of the rules has created challenges.
However, there is mounting evidence that the application of the restrictions – like social distancing, increased levels of disinfection and wearing face masks – has lowered the rate of other infections. This is particularly so with viral infections and the pattern of diseases like the common cold and influenza.
Hand washing with warm water and soap gets rid of all aerosol droplets from the hands, destroying not only the SARS-CoV-2 virus but also the viruses that lead to the development of cold and flu. Similarly, hand sanitization with an alcohol based product works across a range of viral pathogens, inactivating the virus on contaminated hands or surfaces.
As an example, flu cases have been at record lows. Taking the U.S. as an example, Scientific American reports that there were 24,000 reported flu deaths during the 2019–2020 season (and probably more if unreported cases are considered). For the current season the number stands at just 450.
As an indication of the impact of stricter and more rigorously enforced hygiene measures, influenza and other causes of pneumonia represent the eighth leading cause of U.S. deaths in non-pandemic years.
While there are many factors that could account for this, one of the factors to give serious consideration to relates to COVID-19 measures, such as lockdowns, school closures and decreased travel, and face mask wearing.
There are other potential contributors to the decline. For instance, those with influenza symptoms may well have avoided medical practices altogether, and instead have opted to isolate at home. This means that such cases may not show up health statistics and it also means that the opportunities for viral spread will be considerably reduced.
There is also the vaccine to factor in, provided that individuals have received the necessary number of doses.
Once the coronavirus pandemic has dissipated and reached endemic status (it is likely the virus will always be with us) it may be prudent to review those hygiene measures that have been effective and to decide where they could be successfully applied (such as in public spaces, schools and so on).
There may also be some developments of medical importance too. Scientists are assessing the impact of the disrupted flu and cold seasons and what this information might tell us about the transmission and behaviour of other viruses and what this may mean for long-term disease burdens. In a sense, a natural experiment has been taking place.
