The Covid-19 epidemic and the health measures put in place to curb it have also had an impact on the scale of other epidemics of respiratory infections. In a context of improving the health situation and easing restrictions, the Scientific Council is now worried about a possible comeback of seasonal viruses.
The Covid-19 epidemic is not the only one to be closely monitored by the Scientific Council. In the latest opinion issued by the organization and made public this Thursday, October 7, its members call for vigilance against other respiratory viruses.
“During the period of circulation of SARS-CoV-2, it was observed an extremely significant reduction in the circulation of the two viruses responsible for seasonal epidemics: influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)”, notes the Scientific Council.
A virtual absence which is explained by the implementation of barrier measures (social distancing, wearing a mask, hydroalcoholic gel) to fight against the Covid-19 epidemic “but could also be amplified by a mechanism called viral interference “, in other words the difficulty for two respiratory viruses to co-circulate at the same time.
The start of a flu epidemic “from October or November”
Now that the Covid-19 epidemic now appears to be under control, particularly thanks to vaccination, scientists are alerting to other respiratory infections occurring during the fall and winter. Regarding influenza, the Council considers that must be taken into account “the epidemiological aspects and the aspects of vaccination” whereas more than 10 million people were vaccinated against the flu last year.
“It is possible that this epidemic will begin as early as October or November, in particular if the barrier measures are lightened quickly and international trade resumes”, warns the Scientific Council, which judges that the epidemic impact will depend on the nature of the virus (H3N2 or H1N1). “The current signal which shows a certain circulation of virus A (H3N2) can be considered as a serious signal”, continues the Scientific Council which concludes that “the hypothesis of an epidemic in 2021-2022 must be considered”.
Undoubtedly a larger RSV epidemic this year
Regarding the respiratory syncytial virus, the Scientific Council notes that the 2020-2021 epidemic was smaller than that of the previous season, “with a late start”.
“It is therefore necessary to anticipate that the size of the RSV epidemic will be larger this winter compared to previous winters, in particular if it is postponed to January or February 2022”, adds the Council, which recalls that it does not There is no vaccine or treatment for RSV, “therefore, communication around barrier measures during the RSV epidemic would be useful”.
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