Changes in Influenza Activity and Circulating Subtypes During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

BackgroundNon-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate COVID-19 can impact the circulation of influenza viruses. There is a need to describe the activity of influenza and its subtypes during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid in the development of influenza prevention and control measures in the next influenza season. MethodData from pathogenic surveillance performed by the Chinese National Influenza Center from January 2016 to August 2021 were extracted and stratified by type and subtype for northern China and southern China. The distribution of influenza activity and circulating subtypes were described during the COVID-19 pandemic, and data from 2016 to 2019 were used for comparisons. ResultsInfluenza activity declined rapidly and then rose slowly during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The distribution of influenza subtypes changed from A-dominant to B/Victoria-dominant after the COVID-19 outbreak. DiscussionWhether the B/Yamagata lineage has disappeared from China deserves more attention in future virologic monitoring programs. The influenza vaccination campaign in the 2021-2022 season is an important means by which to reduce the proportion of susceptible people and limit the damage that potentially greater and earlier circulation of the virus could cause.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the surveillance data of influenza activity in China and found that influenza activity decreased rapidly and then gradually increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution of influenza subtypes also changed after the COVID-19 outbreak. Vaccination campaign is crucial in reducing the spread of the virus.