The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the epidemiology of respiratory infections. In this blog post, we will analyze recent scientific evidence that discusses the changes in the epidemiology of respiratory infections since the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in the exposure of people to viruses and bacteria. This has led to an "immunity debt" in the population, making people more susceptible to infection. This is particularly concerning for children and other susceptible populations such as elderly or people with chronic diseases, who are more likely to experience severe respiratory infections.
In addition to the changes in the timing and severity of respiratory infections, there have also been changes in the types of respiratory infections that are occurring. Some diseases that typically occur in the winter, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, have now been occurring in the summer.
Cough and cold in the summer may be more common in the future. The changes in the epidemiology of respiratory infections since the COVID-19 pandemic are a cause for concern. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of respiratory infections, and to see a doctor promptly if you, colleagues or someone in your family is experiencing these symptoms. It is also important to take steps to prevent respiratory infections, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Here are some tips for preventing respiratory infections:
Get vaccinated against influenza and RSV.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Employ a modern technology that recognised respiratory infections early on, such as Resmonics‘ Quorum
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections.
References
Calvo, C. (2023). Changes in the epidemiology of infections in children. Is there an immune debt? Only for respiratory viruses? Anales de PediatrÃa, 98(2), 155-156.
Nguyá»…n, V. (2023, July 12). Respiratory infections have changed significantly since COVID-19. VNS.
Chow, E. J., Uyeki, T. M., & Chu, H. Y. (2023). The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on community respiratory virus activity. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 21(1), 1-10.
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