Applied Microbiology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Lessons Learned from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Preparing for the Next Outbreak of Respiratory and Enteric Viral Infections

M. Khalid Ijaz*, Raymond W. Nims, Joseph R. Rubino, Julie McKinney and Charles P. Gerba

Evidence has been accumulating to suggest that the numbers of cases/detections of respiratory viruses (especially influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and human metapneumovirus) and enteroviruses (especially norovirus and enterovirus) have dropped drastically during periods of relatively strict adherence to Non- Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) for mitigating the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2. In other words, while the public has been protecting themselves from acquiring SARS-CoV-2 through use of NPIs, such as social distancing, mask wearing, avoiding crowded spaces, and paying greater attention to surface and hand hygiene, they may also have been protecting themselves from acquiring other respiratory viruses and enteric pathogens, including viral infections. What evidence do we have of this? What may happen when the NPIs are relaxed in the post-pandemic setting? In this viewpoint, we discuss these topics and other learnings from the ongoing SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic, as well as our recommendations for NPIs for preparing for the inevitable post-pandemic future.

Published Date: 2022-06-21; Received Date: 2022-05-17