Mysteries of Covid Times
Where Did Influenza Go This Year?
Not the Northern Hemisphere.
- Globally, despite continued or even increased testing for influenza in some countries, influenza activity remained at lower levels than expected for this time of the year.
- The current influenza surveillance data should be interpreted with caution as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced to varying extents health seeking behaviours, staffing/routines in sentinel sites, as well as testing priorities and capacities in Member States. The various hygiene and physical distancing measures implemented by Member States to reduce SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission have likely played a role in reducing influenza virus.
Masks and distancing put in place to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission seem to be preventing flu as well. Influenza vaccination rates rose a bit over previous years.
Update on Herd Immunity
From our friends at the New Yorker cartoon contest.
Alien Monolith Disappears from Remote Utah Desert Canyon
Who but aliens could have planted this shiny monolith?
My bet is the self-proclaimed “intrepid explorers” did it. Then again, the artist, John McCracken made a similar one in 2011. McCracken claims it is at the Zwirner gallery on West 20th Street in Manhattan as I write. Oh, really?
The best answer is obviously that McCracken, the park guys, and the aliens worked together to promote the artwork and intergalactic humor.
Go ahead, prove me wrong.
I had to get this urgent news out before we take a close look at the modes of action of remdesivir and vaccines. For now, put them in the coming soon category.
Mark
Mysteries of Covid Times Read More »
