3 ms·

Influenza disappearance proves eradication of SARS-CoV-2, more possible (2021)

6 points by jka 5y ago

giantg2 5y ago
Mismatch in data. They're using positive flu tests and comparing that to prior year infections. It would be interesting to see if we can eradicate the flu, or covid. But it seems that's not likely. Given that these both have non-human hosts and mutate relatively quickly, it would be difficult to fully eradicate. We've already had a massive vaccination and lockdown campaign which has not eradicated covid (and the vaccine does not prevent infection). Not to mention, both flu and covid can cause asymptomatic infection, which is much harder to identify (because why get tested if you feel fine?).
- jka 5y ago
  I'm skeptical too, but the CDC seems to be reporting similar findings for the 2020-2021 flu season: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm
bediger4000 5y ago
The lesson I take from this is "masks work". Seems like the US should be advocating for wearing masks during every influenza season, especially for those who exhibit symptoms, or deal with lots of other people. Anecdotally, I have been very careful to wear masks in public places for the lst 2 years. I haven't had so much as a single head cold, or a cough that wasn't remediated by allergy medication. Essentially zero respiratory ailments. I'm probably going to keep wearing masks in crowded spaces from now on. I don't like respiratory diseases at all.
opensores 5y ago
Influenza hasn't been eradicated! It is 'hibernating' in pretty small numbers now. Check https://syndromictrends.com/ https://syndromictrends.com/ Influenza B is at a 3.1% share of respiratory pathogens in the US right now. During certain summer months both Influenza A and B were measured at 0.0% Note that these '0.0%' measurements do not show they have reached a true 0, as there are just two sig figs and a very finite number of measurements. They will dip to '0.0' occasionally, as in November 2021, and bounce back.

6 points by jka 5y ago

Mismatch in data. They're using positive flu tests and comparing that to prior year infections. It would be interesting to see if we can eradicate the flu, or covid. But it seems that's not likely. Given that these both have non-human hosts and mutate relatively quickly, it would be difficult to fully eradicate. We've already had a massive vaccination and lockdown campaign which has not eradicated covid (and the vaccine does not prevent infection). Not to mention, both flu and covid can cause asymptomatic infection, which is much harder to identify (because why get tested if you feel fine?).

jka 5y ago
I'm skeptical too, but the CDC seems to be reporting similar findings for the 2020-2021 flu season: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm

bediger4000 5y ago

The lesson I take from this is "masks work". Seems like the US should be advocating for wearing masks during every influenza season, especially for those who exhibit symptoms, or deal with lots of other people. Anecdotally, I have been very careful to wear masks in public places for the lst 2 years. I haven't had so much as a single head cold, or a cough that wasn't remediated by allergy medication. Essentially zero respiratory ailments. I'm probably going to keep wearing masks in crowded spaces from now on. I don't like respiratory diseases at all.

opensores 5y ago

Influenza hasn't been eradicated! It is 'hibernating' in pretty small numbers now. Check https://syndromictrends.com/ https://syndromictrends.com/ Influenza B is at a 3.1% share of respiratory pathogens in the US right now. During certain summer months both Influenza A and B were measured at 0.0% Note that these '0.0%' measurements do not show they have reached a true 0, as there are just two sig figs and a very finite number of measurements. They will dip to '0.0' occasionally, as in November 2021, and bounce back.