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Social distancing measures have not only reduced transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but also of the flu as seen here in this remarkable chart. Note the absence of any ‘spike’ in the 2020/2021 season indicated by the red arrow.
How have these measures impacted other viruses?
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Social distancing measures have not only reduced transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but also of the flu as seen here in this remarkable chart. Note the absence of any ‘spike’ in the 2020/2021 season indicated by the red arrow.
How have these measures impacted other viruses?
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@PHE_uk publish regular surveillance of Norovirus & Rotavirus, two viruses responsible for most cases of vomiting and diarrhoea in children & adults. Rotavirus is typically seen in young children.
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Note the remarkable decline in norovirus cases 2020/21 in this next figure vs. what might usually be expected
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For rotavirus, there is still a noticeable decline compared to what might be expected, but not quite as marked, perhaps because rotavirus is generally seen in younger children and many nursery schools have remained open
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In addition, overall reports of outbreaks of gastroenteritis are much much lower compared to what might be expected too. Enteric viruses are those primarily transmitted by person-to-person contact or by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
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The reasons for these reductions are considered to be multifactorial and not wholly attributable to a reduction in virus transmission, reporting practices may have altered. However, similar reductions have also been reported in other countries including Germany and the US
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The full PHE report can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/national-norovirus-and-rotavirus-bulletin-management-information
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