Correlations between Control of COVID-19 Transmission and Influenza Occurrences in Malaysia

Daniel Tang, Kuok Ho; Fui Chin, Bridgid Lai

Objectives The transmission of COVID-19 has sent Malaysia into cycles of tightening and relaxation of movement control which are still continuing currently in line with local fluctuations of new COVID-19 cases. During movement control, measures comprising physical distancing, hand cleaning or sanitizing, and sanitization of premises are consistently implemented while self-isolation and travel restrictions are adaptively enforced. This study aims to examine if the control of COVID-19 transmission has an effect on the national influenza occurrences as some measures for COVID-19 control are similar to those for influenza. Study design This study drew the data of weekly new cases of influenza and COVID-19 from official platforms for non-parametric statistical analysis. Methods This study compared the influenza occurrences before and after the onset of COVID-19 using the Mann-Whitney U Test and explored the Spearman’s correlations between COVID-19 and influenza incidences after the onset of COVID-19. Results It shows that influenza incidences before and after the onset of COVID-19 were significantly different where influenza cases have significantly reduced after the onset of COVID-19. The weekly cases of influenza and COVID-19 were significantly and negatively correlated. Conclusions This study underscores the co-benefits of COVID-19 control measures and alleviates the concern for the risk of COVID-19 and influenza coinfection.