Did COVID-19 precautions prevent this year’s flu epidemic in the southern hemisphere?

In a letter published in The Lancet today, we noted that this Winter there was no epidemic of influenza (the flu) in the southern hemisphere – the first time this has happened since records began! We think this is due to the community measures to prevent COVID-19 spread, such as social distancing, mask use, and travel restrictions.

Could influenza epidemics be prevented every year with these precautions?

You can read more in the full letter here: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32166-8