THREAD
Social distancing measures have not only reduced transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but also of the flu as seen here in this remarkable chart. Note the absence of any ‘spike’ in the 2020/2021 season indicated by the red arrow.
How have these measures impacted other viruses? 1/
@PHE_uk publish regular surveillance of Norovirus & Rotavirus, two viruses responsible for most cases of vomiting and diarrhoea in children & adults. Rotavirus is typically seen in young children.
2/
Note the remarkable decline in norovirus cases 2020/21 in this next figure vs. what might usually be expected 3/
For rotavirus, there is still a noticeable decline compared to what might be expected, but not quite as marked, perhaps because rotavirus is generally seen in younger children and many nursery schools have remained open 4/
In addition, overall reports of outbreaks of gastroenteritis are much much lower compared to what might be expected too. Enteric viruses are those primarily transmitted by person-to-person contact or by ingestion of contaminated food or water. 5/
The reasons for these reductions are considered to be multifactorial and not wholly attributable to a reduction in virus transmission, reporting practices may have altered. However, similar reductions have also been reported in other countries including Germany and the US
6/
THREAD
The latest @ICNARC report on ICU admissions was published last night, and on behalf of @ICS_updates and @COVID19actuary, please read this thread for an update
1/
There have been 321 new notifications of patients admitted to ICU with confirmed #COVID__19 . (9347 in total) This is largely static compared to last week, but still around 40% of 2 years’ worth of viral pneumonia admissions in ‘normal’ times 2/
The distribution according to critical care network remains unchanged with London and the SE showing the greatest number of admissions. The new admissions this week appear to be concentrated in the London – South ODN 3/
The report captures all patients in E & W with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to ICU up until 4pm on 7 May 2020 where outcome data is available. So far, of the 10,758 notified admissions, 6143 have outcomes reported and 2107 are still receiving critical care
2/
The downward trend for admissions to ICU continues; the effects of social distancing evident 3/