Influenza and COVID - What's Next?

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

There's been such a hiatus for those influenza viruses. Influenza barely clung on in various parts of the world. Some lineages of influenza were completely wiped out and don't appear to be coming back at all. It does look as if the virus is doing what the epidemiologists call exploring the Omicron space.

As the UK heads into autumn, Covid-19 appears to be surging again. According to official data, 40,650 people tested positive in England in the seven days up to and including 24 September. This was an increase of 42% on the week before. But as we brace for another wave, experts are also concerned about a potential rise in influenza. Ian Sample speaks to Prof Peter Openshaw about the Omicron variant, why we’re at risk of a ‘twindemic’ this year and whether it’s time we all start taking more preventive measures. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod