By: Ashley Garcia
The time of autumn and winter is upon us and with it the
dreaded pathogens that cause sore throats and runny noses. A notable trend has
been observed between seasonal changes and influenza
outbreaks in much of the northern hemisphere. However, answers on the specific
factors that influence this trend have remained ambiguous. A study investigated
the climatic and socio-demographic variables that contributed to the H1N1pdm09
outbreak in France in 2009-2010. The investigators collected data such as
reported influenza cases, population density, temperature, and demographics
throughout France. It was found that low humidity, insolation (UV radiation),
and high population density lead to increased host susceptibility and
prevalence. An interesting finding was that the degree of interconnectedness
between urban cities and rural communities increased the ease of disease
transmission rather than distance alone. Nonetheless, the mechanisms that
influence these factors need further investigation. This includes influenza
transmission in sub-tropical and tropical regions where relative humidity and
high temperatures are constant. Our biggest defense against influenza is
vaccination, which unfortunately many tend to forgo resulting in a long winter
indeed.
Original Article:
Vittecoq
M, Roche B, Cohen JM, Renaud F, Thomas F (2015). Does the weather play a role
in the spread of pandemic virus influenza? A study of H1N1pdm09 infections in
France during 2009-2010. Epidemiology of
Infectious Disease. doi:10.1017/S0950268815000941
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