CBS News -
Millions of children get sick with the flu every year and tens of thousands are hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Research being presented at an American Academy of Pediatrics conference shows pandemic precautions, like wearing masks and social distancing, helped stop the spread of flu and other common respiratory viruses last season.
"Although each of these things is not perfect, taken together, they really are effective in preventing illness," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The study was conducted at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio from October 2020 through April 2021, when pandemic measures were in place. Researchers found just two cases of flu and no cases of RSV. When restrictions relaxed in mid-March, viral infections returned.
"We didn't really expect that we would see spreading of winter respiratory viruses in the summer. It just shows you that these viruses, which are really very contagious, will take advantage of us as we open up, gather together, take off our masks," Dr. Schaffner said.
The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine, with rare exception. (Read more)
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