<
https://theconversation.com/flu-may-be-back-but-covid-is-far-from-over-how-do-they-compare-184551>
"Since Australia’s first Omicron wave after borders opened late last year, the
pandemic has largely faded from the news and public perception. Gone are the
daily briefings with updates on the numbers of cases, hospitalisations and
deaths.
But this perception doesn’t match reality. While hospitalisation and death
rates have been relatively lower than earlier waves – thanks to the vaccination
rollout and naturally acquired immunity – 95% of all Australia’s COVID cases
have occurred since the New Year. The daily rate of infections continues in the
tens of thousands.
Almost 3,000 Australians died of COVID in the first quarter of 2022, placing it
between coronary heart disease and stroke as a major cause of death.
This year we’ve seen both the Omicron wave and the re-emergence of influenza.
After almost disappearing for two years of the pandemic, the lifting of most
restrictions (such as social distancing and working from home), the decline in
mask use and opening of international borders has allowed influenza to
re-emerge.
So, how do COVID and seasonal influenza compare?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
