Socioeconomic correlates of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 outbreaks

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has disrupted social and economic life over large parts of the world [1]. The countermeasures designed and enforced by organisations and governments in order to contain the pandemic have had debated impact on its spread, but especially on societal structure and economic output [2]. In a fashion only precedented by war, an infectious pandemic challenges vulnerabilities of our societal structure, economic activity and healthcare [3]. While the battle for the discovery of the disease's origins, pathogenesis and cure is ongoing, a deeper understanding of its pattern of spread is sought [4]. Geographic patterns of disease burden are essential in understanding our societal and biological vulnerabilities to disease, as well as the progress of our worldwide battle against disease [5]. To this end, the way the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected different countries could provide valuable clues to the nature of the disease, as well as our societal and economic weaknesses that propagate it.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Original Articles: Research letters Source Type: research