Abstract
Introduction Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been the primary preventative measure to mitigate the COVID-19 burden. However, these NPIs have also altered the pattern and incidence of other respiratory pathogens. This review aims to explore the effects of NPIs used against COVID-19, on influenza incidence.Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in selected databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase). Documents that highlighted a change in influenza epidemiology during the COVID-19 pandemic and were linked to NPIs were included. The search covered articles from 1 January 2020 to 7 December 2022.Results This review included 13 studies reporting data from three different continents. A 14-100% decrease of influenza activity was observed since the enforcement of NPIs in early 2020.Conclusion This study suggests that the NPIs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have also significantly reduced influenza incidence. This is most likely because both coronavirus and influenza are transmitted through a similar route and the NPIs prevent this. The use of NPIs is suggested to overcome some burden of future influenza epidemics.
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