I wonder if lockdown was the final nail for it. I've been wondering if there were any variants of common illnesses we'll never see again because it required more human cross contact to sustain its population.
Scientists first reported the apparent disappearance of Yamagata viruses in 2021. At that time, experts speculated that precautions taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 — such as masking and social distancing — had not only driven the overall number of flu cases to historic lows but may have completely snuffed out this type of flu virus.
Yup, basically. Everyone went inside, stayed inside, wore masks and got their vaccines. That was enough to kill a flu variant.
It would be wonderful if we could get staying home when you're sick, wearing a mask if you might be sick and getting your vaccines to become the norm.
“At that time, experts speculated that precautions taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 — such as masking and social distancing — had not only driven the overall number of flu cases to historic lows but may have completely snuffed out this type of flu virus. “.
Handwashing, masking, distancing, and isolation when sick were simple yet effective behavioral measures taken by the population of the world which actively caused this extinction of the Yamagata lineage. We did it, collectively folks. Congratulations!