The pandemic has led to a remarkable decline in the transmission of nearly all viruses, with the notable exception of COVID-19. My family hails from Taiwan, and having spent several summers there, I’m somewhat accustomed to the culture of mask-wearing. Therefore, it came as no shock to me when I discovered that since the onset of the pandemic, the prevalence of numerous respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, apart from COVID-19, has plummeted.
As of February 4, 2021, Taiwan reported a mere nine deaths from COVID-19—a stark contrast to the situation in the U.S. Epidemiologists believe that the global shutdown, along with health measures like social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent hand-washing, has effectively curbed the spread of the coronavirus. At the same time, infections from other viruses, such as influenza types A and B, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza, have all seen significant declines.
For instance, in December 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that 16.2% of flu samples tested positive for influenza A. By December 2020, that number had dropped to just 0.3%. Lynnette Brammer from the CDC commented that in her 30 years of flu seasons, she never anticipated seeing such low flu activity.
Additionally, the CDC had warned about a potential peak in cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare polio-like illness attributed to enterovirus-D68. Historically, AFM cases surged every other year, but in 2020, only 29 cases were reported, a significant decrease from previous peaks.
Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Jensen noted that his hospital had not seen any positive specimens for enterovirus D68 since July, and similar trends were reported nationwide. The CDC also documented declines in norovirus, RSV, parainfluenza, and other coronaviruses.
While it may seem straightforward that masking and social distancing would naturally reduce virus transmission, the reality is more complex. Yes, these measures contribute to the decline, but they are not the sole factors.
An increase in flu vaccinations is one reason for the drop in infections; by January 1, 2021, over 192.5 million flu vaccine doses were distributed in the U.S., a record high for a single flu season. Additionally, the reduction in international travel has likely impacted flu rates, as viruses typically spread globally.
Another factor at play is viral interference. Research suggests that when one virus infects a person, it can trigger immune responses that inhibit the replication of other viruses. For example, a prior rhinovirus infection may reduce the likelihood of contracting influenza A.
So, if many viruses are declining, why is COVID-19 still spreading? The unfortunate truth is that while many viruses are endemic and have been previously encountered by the population, COVID-19 is a novel virus, leaving most people without prior immunity. This lack of exposure makes it much harder to halt its spread, necessitating stricter measures.
Moreover, the long-term effects of reduced exposure to common viruses could lead to decreased herd immunity, potentially causing future outbreaks once we return to normalcy. Personally, I hope some of the social distancing practices continue post-pandemic, as they have introduced more convenient options like curbside pickups. Adopting masks into my family’s routine seems like a wise decision, inspired by my Taiwanese relatives.
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Summary:
The pandemic has dramatically reduced the spread of various viruses, except for COVID-19. This decline is attributed to health measures such as masking and social distancing, increased flu vaccinations, and reduced international travel. However, COVID-19 remains a challenge due to its novelty and the population’s lack of immunity. Experts express concern about potential outbreaks of other viruses once normalcy returns.
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