Influenza Activity in the US During the 2020-2021 Season

• Published in: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 325; no. 22; pp. 2247 - 2248
• Main Authors: Uyeki, Timothy M, Wentworth, David E, Jernigan, Daniel B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago American Medical Association 08.06.2021
• Subjects: COVID-19; Disease control; Influenza; Pandemics; Public health; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Telecommuting; Travel; Vaccination; Vaccine efficacy; Vaccines; Viral diseases; Viruses; United States > US
• ISSN: 0098-7484; 1538-3598; 1538-3598
• DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.6125

Uyeki et al discuss influenza activity in the US during the 2020-2021 season. Multiple factors have likely contributed to the marked decline in circulation of influenza viruses, including implementation of community mitigation measures to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission (eg, wearing of face masks, social distancing, workplace closures, school closures, virtual school instruction, indoor dining restrictions), behavioral changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (eg, staying at home, working from home, reduced domestic and international travel, or international travel with subsequent quarantine upon arrival), and influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for 2020-2021 are not available, but a record number of influenza vaccine doses were distributed in the US this season and the greater numbers of vaccinated persons could have contributed to reducing influenza activity.