key: cord-0020715-pqqjqooo
authors: Bennett, Jasmiry
title: Influenza: Preparing amidst a pandemic
date: 2021-09-07
journal: J Vasc Nurs
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2021.07.003
sha: 4c5acdc95dbbaf3e6421aa24c176a7a9807ea7b9
doc_id: 20715
cord_uid: pqqjqooo

nan

As scientists prepare to forecast influenza for 2020-2021, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) poses a challenge. The CDC organizes the FluSite challenge, where the goal is to predict weighted influenza-likeillness (wILI) counts in the US annually (Biggerstaff et al., 2016 as cited in, 4 pg 1). Due to similarities between symptoms for COVID-19 and the flu, there are concerns the wILI counts may be contaminated in the current and possible future influenza seasons, reducing predictability accuracy. 4 Flu predictability was not a prefect science prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; however the inability to predict influenza strain accurately can potentially burden healthcare institutions. The COVID-19 Delta variant demonstrates a high transmissible rate, approximately 225% and coupled with flu season just around the corner, we can be facing continued strain in our healthcare systems in the US. 1 If we are not able to see a reduction in COVID-19 cases, mitigation strategies may be indicated.

COVID-19 symptoms tend to peak later and last longer than the flu, with a median time of 12 days compared to 7, 5 COVID-19 surges are more pronounced in low vaccination areas becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated (Aubrey & Simmons-Duffin, 2021). What can we do to protect ourselves as we prepare for a surge in COVID-19 cases and influenza season? Many states are even considering re-implementing mask mandates and reducing indoor gatherings. The most effective ways of preventing the spread of diseases are to continue to physically distance, hand wash, and mask. Jasmiry Bennett, Editor-in-Chief

With the delta variant spreading fast, is it time to mask up again?

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Society for Vascular Nursing