Co-circulation, Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus, Where Will it Go?

Abstract

COVID-19 has led to unprecedented public health challenges and may become a long-term problem for humans. Influenza, an important infectious disease that causes seasonal influenza, and can potentially reach pandemic status, has led to concerns regarding co-circulation with COVID-19. On the basis of surveillance data for COVID-19 and influenza reported to the WHO in the past 3 years, both infections did not peak together. The co-infection rate (0.7%) for COVID-19 and influenza was relatively low. However, the co-infection rate was significantly higher among people with relatively low immunity and severe symptoms, and co-infection might increase the proportion of severe illness and mortality. Awareness of co-infection is important, and timely evaluation of the risk of co-circulation and co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus will be critical in upcoming influenza seasons. Measures should be taken to prevent co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, including maximizing uptake of the influenza vaccination and early use of anti-influenza drugs, particularly in groups at high risk of both diseases. Furthermore, prevention and control strategies should include not only SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, but also other respiratory diseases, to better prevent the co-occurrence of multiple diseases.