2023-10-15 09:45:13
Title: Corona Pandemic May Have Eradicated Flu Virus B, Recommends WHO
Subtitle: WHO suggests changing flu vaccines as corona measures helped reduce flu cases
Date: October 15, 2023, 9:45 a.m
By: Teresa Toth, Nadja Austel
The corona pandemic may have wiped out the flu virus B, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend a change in flu vaccines. With the onset of the flu season approaching, it is crucial not to neglect the flu alongside the increasing number of corona infections.
During the corona pandemic, the usual flu waves were significantly reduced or milder due to the measures taken against the corona virus. However, experts warn that we cannot afford to ignore the flu virus anymore. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), an estimated 5 to 20 percent of the population, or up to 16 million people, become infected with the flu during a wave. These numbers only reflect laboratory-confirmed cases, meaning the actual number of infections is likely much higher.
German authorities, like the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), stress the importance of flu vaccination. They recommend that all people above 60 years, pregnant women from the second trimester, individuals with underlying health issues, residents of retirement or nursing homes, and people in high-risk professions should consider getting vaccinated.
After the corona pandemic, viruses, including the flu, can now spread more easily because masks are no longer required. Despite this, the corona measures have successfully managed to suppress some strains of the influenza virus. For example, the influenza variant B/Yamagata has not been detected since March 2020, thanks to the mask requirement and reduced social contacts implemented during the pandemic.
With the possibility of the B/Yamagata flu virus being eradicated by the corona pandemic, the WHO and the FDA now recommend excluding this component from future flu vaccines. According to David Wentworth, head of the WHO global influenza surveillance network, there is currently no advantage to including Yamagata in the vaccines.
While the debate on whether to introduce another significant component to standard flu vaccines is ongoing, experts urge the population to make better use of existing resources. The flu statistics from Australia indicate the anticipation of a significant flu wave, further highlighting the importance of vaccination.
Markus Beier, chairman of the Association of General Practitioners in Berlin, called on those falling under the recommendation of the Stiko to get vaccinated in order to minimize the impact of the flu during the winter months.
As the frosty season approaches, it is crucial to stay vigilant against both corona and the flu. While the corona pandemic may have had some benefits in reducing certain strains of the flu, it is essential to adapt and ensure the availability of effective vaccines to protect the population during these challenging times.
Note: Machine assistance was used for this article, which was carefully reviewed by editor Teresa Toth before publication.]
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