Thursday, July 23, 2020

"Flu deaths drop in Australia"

From ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): Flu deaths drop in Australia as coronavirus restrictions save hundreds of lives
Hundreds of Australian flu deaths have been avoided because of the lockdown measures used to prevent the spread of COVID-19, experts say.

The latest national statistics, obtained by the ABC, reveal from January to June 2020, there were just 36 deaths from the flu.

That compares to 430 deaths in the same period for 2019.

...

"What it's telling us is that many of the measures that are working to contain the spread of COVID-19 within the community are also very effective at reducing transmission of influenza"

...

"Australia is in the peak of its normal influenza season, but so are other countries like South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina," Professor Barr said.

"They've all seen marked reductions in influenza cases so far this season."

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