The Collateral Benefit of COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies on Influenza

Introduction: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic initiated the implementation of numerous disease mitigation strategies aimed to prevent transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. Given the similarity in mode of transmission, we posit that these strategies have also had a collateral benefit in minimizing the transmission of influenza during the 2020 to 2021 season in California.

Methods: Five years of data including incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI), influenza hospitalization, and mortality related to influenza in California were analyzed.

Results: In each of these parameters, there was a marked decrease in influenza activity, suggesting the additional benefit of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on influenza prevention.

Discussion: Further study is recommended to determine which specific variables had greater impact on transmission of respiratory viruses, and therefore can be utilized to prevent future outbreaks of respiratory illness.