Impact of hygienic and social distancing measures against SARS-CoV-2 on respiratory infections caused by other viruses

Abstract

Introduction. To control the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, the implementation of social and hygienic confinement measures was determined in all countries. These measures reduce the circulation of most respiratory viruses that are transmitted preferentially by air and contact. Material and methods. The impact of these measures on non-Covid respiratory viruses during the period August-December 2020 and 2019 has been comparatively analyzed. To all nasopharyngeal aspirates that were negative against SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and the suspicion of acute respiratory infection persisted, were subjected to a new RT-PCR that simultaneously and differentially amplifies 21 different respiratory viruses. Results. In the year of the pandemic, a 36.6% decrease was detected in the number of respiratory samples studied and 66% in their positivity in relation to 2019. All viruses showed reduction percentages of between 40-100%. The only viruses that circulated during and after national lockdown were rhinovirus (74.1%), adenovirus (10.1%), and enterovirus (9.6%). Conclusion. The measures used to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection have also affected the community circulation of most respiratory viruses including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.