Europe Countries are seeing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases after successfully slowing outbreaks early in the year. France, UK, Poland, Netherlands and Spain are likely dealing with the much-feared second wave and have started taking action to curb it, according to Euro News.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the worldwide circulation of the influenza virus to be much lower than expected for this time of the year, thought to be largely attributed to the social distancing and hygiene protocols implemented for COVID-19.
According to an article medical journal ‘The Lancet’, this low circulation of the influenza virus could be matters of both reassurance and concern.
Also, the potential impact of altered infection testing priorities, health care personnel capacity, and health-seeking behaviors during the pandemic should not be ignored.
On other hand, Richard Pebody the Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses Section Head at Public Health England explained that they need to bear in mind that the measures put in place to control COVID-19 may have some benefits for the flu.
"But with the resurgence of COVID-19, there may also be a double epidemic of flu and COVID-19 during the northern hemisphere winter. As all that we can do about it is to be ready with a range of measures," Pebody added.
In addition, the research paper suggests that combination testing for both COVID-19 and influenza could also be beneficial, as a single sample could be used to distinguish the two infections in patients, according to the Sunday Express.
Noteworthy, the UK announced a further 5,693 cases and 17 deaths, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has moved to try and curve the effects, introducing a swathe of new restrictions after warning the country faced a "perilous turning point" in its battle with the virus.
According to the European Commission report published in June, it presented a European strategy to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and deployment of vaccines against COVID-19. The EU Vaccines Strategy intends to ensure the production in Europe of qualitative, safe, and efficacious vaccines, and to secure swift access to them for the Member States and their populations. Moreover, the Strategy reflects the global solidarity effort and ensures equitable access to an affordable vaccine as early as possible.
The Commission has signed two first contracts to allow the purchase of a vaccine, once proven safe and efficient, with AstraZeneca and Sanofi-GSK. Successful exploratory talks were concluded with Johnson & Johnson on 13 August, CureVac on 18 August, Moderna on 24 August, and BioNTech on 9 September.
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