The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Transmission in Poland

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether the occurrence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected the incidence of influenza in Poland and the efficiency of the SENTINEL influenza surveillance system. Methods: The analysis was based on virologic data from the 2018/2019–2021/2022 epidemic seasons. The data in question were obtained from the SENTINEL influenza surveillance system, which is utilized in Poland. Results: In the 2020/2021 epidemic season, only one positive case was confirmed. In the epidemic season of 2021/2022, the number of positive cases increased. There was a delay in the peak of the season, since the start of pandemic, which was observed in the 14th week of 2022. Previously, it was recorded in the 5–10th week, depending on the season. Before the pandemic, the number of positive samples in relation to the tested ones oscillated between 41–49.4%. After the pandemic, it was 0.3% and below 20%, respectively, for season 2020/2021 and season 2021/2022. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in many other infectious diseases, including influenza, as a result of the numerous lockdowns and from people shifting to remote work. Other safety measures, such as obligatory protective masks and the use of disinfectants, had a significant impact on reducing the number of cases.

Keywords

• influenza
• COVID-19
• virology
• epidemic season
• pandemic
• surveillance