Which influenza viruses will emerge following the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic?

Abstract

The world has experienced five pandemics in just over one hundred years, four due to influenza and one due to coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). In each case of pandemic influenza, the pandemic influenza strain has replaced the previous seasonal influenza virus. Notably, throughout the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, there has been a 99% reduction in influenza isolation globally. It is anticipated that influenza will re‐emerge following the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and circulate again. The potential for which influenza viruses will emerge is examined.