Transition from the old to the new viral normality: Where are we?

Background: The seasonality of respiratory diseases caused by viruses has been altered by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. After a period of almost no bronchiolitis and influenza diagnoses, these seasonal infectious diseases are progressively recovering their pre-pandemic dynamics. We aim to describe how this process is taking place in Catalonia. Material and method: We used primary-care syndromic diagnostic data of bronchiolitis, influenza, and COVID-19 in Catalonia (Spain), which are publicly available through the new Information System for the Surveillance of Infections in Catalonia (SIVIC). We carried out a descriptive study of their dynamics from 2014 to 2023, focusing on the changes induced by the pandemic. Results: The results show that the old viral normality was significantly disrupted by SARS-CoV-2 and that we are experiencing a transition to a new viral normality where this novel infectious agent could play a role, but its precise dynamics remains unclear. Conclusions: We are slowly moving towards regular influenza and bronchiolitis seasonality. The role of SARS- CoV-2 in the viral landscape in Catalonia remains uncertain, but its effects on other pathogens are relevant and warrant further investigation.
Peer Reviewed
Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::3 - Salut i Benestar
Postprint (published version)