Will there be fewer cases of the flu and stomach viruses this winter?

Wearing masks, social distancing, and increased vigilance when it comes to hand washing are measures that were all designed to slow the spread of the pandemic, and are now part of our daily lives, whether in the office or in other public spaces.

With the implementation of these new measures, can we hope to get through winter without having to face other illnesses such as the flu or stomach viruses?

Favourable conditions

The implementation of these measures strongly limits human-to-human contact. As a result, we are less likely to catch the flu or stomach viruses, which are usually transmitted through these means.

In Australia, for example, the months of July and August are generally characterised by an influenza epidemic. This year, this was not the case, which is a very encouraging sign for the winter.

If sick people are going to be working from home and wearing masks on public transport in addition to washing their hands more regularly, the number of infections could be greatly reduced.

A possible synergy of viruses?

Nevertheless, cases of the flu and gastroenteritis may well develop in parallel with the virus, since there will always be human-to-human contact. A clear distinction between these pathologies will have to be made, whose respective symptoms can lead to confusion.

On the other hand, according to Professor Jean-François Toussaint, professor of medicine at the University of Paris, there could be a form of synergy between the viruses:

There may be a seasonal recirculation of the coronavirus, which could be in addition to the flu, in competition, or even in synergy with the viruses. And if they are in synergy, the symptoms of one will be aggravated by the presence of the other. This is a probability that must also be considered.

Looks like we will have to be doubly vigilant this winter!