Emerging data from @PHE_uk suggests a synergistic detrimental effect of co-infection with #SARS_CoV_2 & #flu viruses. The preprint (not peer reviewed) article is available here medrxiv.org/content/10.110…
‘The risk of testing positive for #SARS_CoV_2 was 68% lower among #influenza positive cases, suggesting possible pathogenic competition between the two viruses.’
However, ‘Patients with a coinfection had a risk of death of 5.92 (95% CI, 3.21-10.91) times greater than among those with neither influenza nor SARS-CoV-2 suggesting possible synergistic effects in coinfected individuals.’
‘The odds of ventilator use or death & ICU admission or death was greatest among coinfection patients showing strong evidence of an interaction effect compared to SARS-CoV-2/influenza acting independently.’
The authors comment that, ‘Cocirculation of these viruses could have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality & health service demand. Testing for influenza alongside SARS-CoV-2 & maximising influenza vaccine uptake should be prioritised to mitigate these risks.’
Comment also available @bmj_latest bmj.com/content/370/bm…
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