COVID-19 has certainly been the pressing respiratory topic over the last year, but as temperatures begin to drop, the school season gears up, and adults begin to re-enter the workforce, there are two seasonal infections making their way back: respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) and influenza (flu). While experts generally know what to expect, this year may prove unique. For instance, there was an unusually low level of flu activity reported during the 2020-21 season – which experts are attributing to the measures we took to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduced incidence suggests low levels of exposure to RSV or flu with people now likely to have waning levels of immunity to these viruses. We saw this summer that there was a notable uptick in incidence of RSV, indicating a delayed RSV season, probably as a result of relaxing the pandemic-related social distancing and other measures. These factors collectively contribute to an uncertain winter, with a potentially higher incidence of RSV and flu, leading to more severe symptoms/outcomes from these viruses.

Tune in as Hanneke Schuitemaker, Ph.D., Head of Viral Vaccine Discovery and Translational Medicine and Disease Area Stronghold Leader, Viral Vaccines, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V. and Ann Falsey, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the University Of Rochester School Of Medicine discuss the outlook of the upcoming flu and RSV season, and precautions for high-risk populations such as young children and older adults, as we continue to adjust, worldwide, to the unforeseen outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IDViewpoints podcast was created by Janssen. Guests of IDViewpoints are not compensated in any way for participation in this podcast. All thoughts and opinions expressed on IDViewpoints are those of the guests and should not be considered medical advice. If you need medical advice or have questions about your treatment or condition, consult with your healthcare provider.