24
Nov 2020
Large flu outbreaks ‘likely when social distancing ends’ study shows
A study from Princeton University has suggested that large outbreaks of diseases such as flu could emerge once social distancing measures end.
The researchers said that interventions such as social distancing and the wearing of masks, introduced to reduce the spread of Covid-19, had also lowered the incidence of illnesses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and seasonal influenza.
The study made reference to Florida, where RSV rates reduced to almost zero in March, and Hawaii, where influenza was virtually non-existent in the same month.
Rachel Baker of the university’s High Meadows Environmental Institute and research leader, said “Declines in case numbers of several respiratory pathogens have been observed recently in many global locations.
“While this reduction in cases could be interpreted as a positive side effect of Covid-19 prevention, the reality is much more complex.” She went on to say that “large outbreaks” could simply be delayed by the controls.
The research team also suggested that NPIs may also have significant impacts on the trajectory of other illnesses.
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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