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

Geographic disease patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 and the H1N1 influenza pandemics are cross-examined with socioeconomic indices, revealing that the two outbreaks are fundamentally different and that SARS-CoV-2 spread is linked with economic output https://bit.ly/3fqkiyp 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. eng G.T. Stathopoulos has nothing to disclose.

• Kaiser, J. C.
• Stathopoulos, G. T.