Social Distancing, Lockdown and the Wide Use of Mask; A Magic Solution or a Double-Edged Sword for Respiratory Viruses Epidemiology?

The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as social distancing, lockdowns and the massive use of masks, have not only largely prevented the spread of SARS-CoV-2, but also of other respiratory viruses such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This decrease has been so hig...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Vaccines (Basel) 2021-06, Vol.9 (6), p.595
Main Authors: Sanz-Muñoz, Ivan, Tamames-Gómez, Sonia, Castrodeza-Sanz, Javier, Eiros-Bouza, José María, de Lejarazu-Leonardo, Raul Ortiz
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Communication
Conflicts of interest
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines
Disease control
Disease transmission
epidemic
Epidemics
Epidemiology
Herd immunity
Infections
Influenza
pandemic
Pandemics
Public health
Respiratory syncytial virus
respiratory virus
Seasons
Serology
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Social distancing
Viral diseases
Viruses
Winter
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Summary:The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as social distancing, lockdowns and the massive use of masks, have not only largely prevented the spread of SARS-CoV-2, but also of other respiratory viruses such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This decrease has been so high that, in most countries, the influenza and RSV epidemic has not occurred. Far from being a beneficial fact, this can be problematic, since the absence of circulation of certain pathogens can lead to a decrease in herd immunity against them. This can promote the rise of more serious, longer-lasting epidemics that start sooner. To alleviate the collateral effects that may occur due to the decrease in circulation of viruses such as influenza, it is necessary to increase the production of influenza vaccines, carry out mass vaccination campaigns and focus on vaccinating the main drivers of this virus, children.
ISSN:2076-393X
2076-393X
DOI:10.3390/vaccines9060595