As 2024 begins and, for many, a period of festivity ends, respiratory illnesses are reportedly rising in many regions. For the WHO European Region, this coincides with seasonal cold weather, and for other areas, the continued circulation of COVID-19 is causing an unusual increase in respiratory cases. WHO and local health organisations are repeating calls for vigilant surveillance and maintained prevention strategies. Here we take a broad view of some global trends and consider the advice offered in these areas.
Europe faces “tridemic”
While WHO messaging continues to identify “seasonal” patterns as the reason for an increase in respiratory cases, other outlets offer a more dramatic perspective. The Financial Times, for example, describes the “tridemic” of flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses as a threat that could “push health systems to the limit”.
“The mix of flu, COVID, and RSV cast a shadow over a European festive season punctuated by coughs, colds, and people bowing out of celebrations because they felt too unwell. Those who made it were met with conversations about who was vaccinated against flu and whether it was too late to get a jab.”
Forbes considers the possibility that Spanish officials will impose a mask mandate in hospitals and health clinics, yet WHO emphasises that “increases in respiratory infections are expected” and data are not “especially concerning”.
“It is possible that many young children have not yet been fully exposed to some of these due to reduced circulation during the pandemic.”
Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson, High-threat Pathogen Lead at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, reflected that the increase could be partly attributed to this trend in infections among children “who were protected during the pandemic”.
“COVID-19 and influenza vaccine recommendations remain targeted at the same high-risk groups: older adults, people with chronic diseases, those with immunocompromising conditions, people who are pregnant, and health workers.”
South-East Asia strengthens surveillance
WHO South-East Asia “urges” countries to “strengthen surveillance” and encourages “protective measures in view of the increasing numbers of cases of respiratory diseases”. In a December release, the team identified COVID-19 and the JN.1 sub-variant, and influenza, as factors in this increase. WHO South-East Asia’s Regional Director is Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, who commented that “we must continue to track the evolution of these viruses to tailor our response”.
“For this, countries must strengthen surveillance and sequencing, and ensure sharing of data.”
At a time when “people travel and gather for festivities”, Dr Khetrapal Singh called for “protective measures” and reminded people to “seek timely clinical care when unwell”.
PAHO recommends alertness
In a January update from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/ WHO, the “high levels of acute respiratory disease activity” are noted. Countries in both the northern and southern hemispheres are reporting “higher incidences of respiratory disease”.
“For this reason, the PAHO/WHO recommends that Member States maintain and strengthen respiratory virus surveillance to detect increases in the activity of acute respiratory disease. Likewise, it is recommended to keep healthcare systems prepared and alert at all levels.”
As the season progresses and more information is shared from these and other regions, we will continue to explore the advice. If respiratory diseases are of interest to you, the tracks at our Washington Congress may be pertinent, so do get your tickets to join us there! If you can’t make it do subscribe to get the latest in your inbox.
