“As the northern hemisphere winter approaches, cases of COVID-19 are rising globally, especially in Europe where countries are expanding measures to contain it, and many people are understandably weary of the disruption the pandemic is causing to their lives and livelihoods,” Ghebreyesus said.

Underlining that, last week, the number of cases reported in Europe was almost three times higher than during the first peak in March, Ghebreyesus continued his remarks as follows: “Although the number of deaths reported in Europe last week is much lower than in March, hospitalizations are increasing and many cities are reporting they will reach their intensive care bed capacity in the coming weeks.”

Ghebreyesus noted that every year, there were up to 3.5 million severe cases of seasonal influenza worldwide, and up to 650,000 respiratory-related deaths.

Stating that during this year’s southern hemisphere winter, the number of seasonal flu cases and deaths was less than usual because of the measures put in place to contain COVID-19, Ghebreyesus said: “But we cannot assume the same will be true in the northern hemisphere flu season. The co-circulation of influenza and COVID-19 may present challenges for health systems and health facilities, since both diseases present with many similar symptoms. For that reason, WHO is working with countries to take a holistic approach to the preparedness, prevention, control and treatment of all respiratory diseases, including influenza and COVID-19.”

Ghebreyesus also underscored that many of the same measures that are effective in preventing COVID-19 are also effective for preventing influenza, including physical distancing, hand hygiene, covering coughs, ventilation and masks. (ILKHA)