Post Reply - H5N1/flu (other types)

dozens of undetected cases of

   https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2024/07/ecdc-call-for-increased-vigilance.html or https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2024/07/ecdc-call-for-increased-vigilance.html ; 
Not quite 3 weeks ago the ECDC issued a guidance document (see Enhanced Influenza Surveillance to Detect Avian Influenza Virus Infections in the EU/EEA During the Inter-Seasonal Period) urging member nations to step up surveillance for potential human avian flu infections over the summer. 
As was reported in last year's analysis from the UKHSA (see TTD (Time to Detect): Revisited), there could be dozens of undetected cases of human H5N1 infection before public health would likely detect them, perhaps even hundreds. 
While the ECDC may only present non-binding recommendations to member states, yesterday they reiterated the need for increased vigilance in the months ahead. 
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In recently updated surveillance guidance for the summer period, ECDC recommends lowering the threshold for testing for avian influenza in humans, including using a risk-based approach for exposed asymptomatic individuals. We also recommend testing for influenza all cases hospitalised due to symptoms compatible with avian influenza and to further investigate those influenza A-positive samples that are negative for seasonal influenza virus. Biosafety and personal protective measures in place at occupational and recreational sites with an increased risk of avian influenza remain crucial to minimise the risk of spillover events to humans. These protective measures should be complied with to the greatest extent possible.

Furthermore, ECDC has strengthened its support to EU countries on laboratory activities on zoonotic avian influenza, including support on laboratory preparedness to detect and characterise zoonotic influenza viruses. ECDC also offers EU centralised testing and further characterisation for human specimens known or suspected to contain an avian influenza virus.
DJ, No doubt possible other types of flu (H5, H7 maybe H9 ???) could be in the back of the ECDC mind...? 
In addition to being on the alert for avian flu, clinicians are also being asked to have a high index of suspicion for Mpox cases (see COCA Call : Mpox - Clinical Management & Outbreaks), and suspected swine-variant infections. 
Tasks that are only made tougher due to a recent spike in COVID cases across the country. 
Stay tuned. It could be a bumpy summer. 

DJ, And one disease may increase chances (decreasing immunity) for catching another disease...Flu and CoViD both may become harder to detect via testing...

I do think there must be cases of "Flu-Rona" Flu and CoVid....maybe testing is missing it ? 