After a couple of years of relatively mild flu seasons, health officials are warning of a potentially severe influenza outbreak this year.

The reasons behind this anticipated increase in flu cases are multifactorial: from surges in coronavirus cases to relaxation of public health measures like wearing masks and social distancing.

What is Influenza?

Influenza or flu is a contagious viral respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

The virus that causes the flu can spread rapidly from person to person through droplets when someone with the flu talks, sneezes or coughs. The symptoms of the flu can vary from mild to severe, and it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even death in some cases.

Recent History of Flu Outbreaks

The last two years, we witnessed relatively mild flu seasons. In 2020, the flu activity remained low, mainly due to mitigation efforts and health guidelines that were implemented to control the spread of SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

As people were staying at home more often and wearing masks, the rate of flu transmission was significantly reduced.

Similarly, the 2019-2020 flu season had a low activity level, with fewer visits to healthcare providers and low hospitalization rates.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this was the longest flu season in the last ten years, lasting for 20 weeks, but the activity levels remained low owing to the preventive measures.

Why is the Flu a Concern This Year?

The flu is always a concern, but the anticipated surge in influenza cases this year is a cause of alarm for health officials worldwide.

The reason for this is that as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, there is a potential for a double epidemic, which could put a lot of strain on healthcare systems.

Moreover, as countries worldwide start to ease restrictions and return back to normal, there is a chance for the flu virus to spread rapidly among individuals who may not have immunities since they did not contract the virus in the last two years.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Flu

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on the transmission of the flu virus worldwide.

The preventive measures such as wearing masks, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing that were put in place to control COVID-19’s spread resulted in the lowest flu activity levels ever recorded globally.

However, the easing of these measures could facilitate the transmission of both the flu and COVID-19 viruses. Furthermore, the surge in COVID-19 cases has been unprecedented, contributing to the strain on healthcare systems worldwide.

A co-infection of the flu and COVID-19 can complicate matters, leading to severe health outcomes.

Prevention of the Flu

The primary prevention measure for the flu is vaccination. The flu vaccine is highly effective in preventing influenza virus infection; however, it is not 100% effective in preventing flu in everyone.

Hence, it is essential to combine vaccination with other preventive measures such as:.

Wearing masks and avoiding close contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms
Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Covering your nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, preferably with a tissue that should be disposed of immediately
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the transfer of the virus to your respiratory system
Staying home when you have flu-like symptoms and avoiding contact with other people to prevent the spread of the virus

Closing Thoughts

The flu is a severe respiratory illness that should be taken seriously. With the expected surge in the influenza virus, health experts advise individuals to get vaccinated and follow preventive measures to reduce their risk of contracting the flu.

These preventive measures can also help protect others who are vulnerable to flu complications.

Finally, it is vital to continue adhering to public health guidelines, especially during the pandemic, to prevent the spread of not just the flu but other contagious illnesses.