After the COVID vaccination was available, we gradually re-engaged with previous activities. Children went back to school. Many work from home policies were reversed. And we resumed eating-out and attending large gatherings.
We encountered fewer viruses due to less human contact and better hand washing efforts. As we emerged from home confinement and mask mandates, viral infections reared their ugly head. These include the respiratory viruses like the common cold and flu, as well as bronchitis and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
Non-COVID viral infections were greatly reduced in 2020 compared to other years. For example:
These common illnesses may seem more severe than before COVID. One reason may be that most of us did not experience routine exposures to viruses in 2020 and early 2021. Immune systems did not get a chance to “see” the typical number of viruses.
Prior infections help immune systems to deal with similar-looking pathogens. Without routine exposures, the immune system may be less prepared than usual to fend off an infection. As a result, we may experience more severe symptoms as our body clears the virus.
The rapid spread of these respiratory tract viruses and their severe symptoms led some to call them a “super cold.” As an expert in health research, Dr. Mackay explains: “Some of what we may feel are ‘super colds’ might just be normal colds that we’ve simply forgotten to recognize because we had successfully kept them at bay during the pandemic.”
As the world returned to pre-pandemic habits, many young children fell ill. Runny noses and coughing were common symptoms, and viruses spread rapidly in daycares and schools. Much like adults, young children lacked the viral exposures that build a strong immune system, so they were highly susceptible to catching something.
In addition to young children, babies were more susceptible to infections. Pregnant women pass protective antibodies to their fetuses, and continue to deliver helpful antibodies to their babies through breastfeeding. Babies born during the pandemic did not have the usual variety of protective antibodies. During the pandemic, mothers were not exposed to many viruses, and as the restrictions were lifted, many newborns and young children contracted viral infections.
This resurgence of viral infections was especially true of RSV, which infected young children and infants at far higher-than-expected rates across the world. Nearly all young children are exposed to RSV before age 3, but the pandemic restrictions delayed this exposure.
Co-infections of COVID and RSV have also been common in children during 2021 and 2022. For instance, more than half of all pediatric hospitalizations in one Texas Children’s Hospital were due to co-infections of COVID and RSV.
Although few of us need hospitalization for common viral infections, there are signs that we endured more illness in early 2022.
Unlike previous years, cold and flu medications were in high demand. Amazon reported record profits in sales of these over-the-counter drugs, and google search trends showed a large uptick in searches related to the symptoms of common colds and flus.
General guidance is to try to rule out COVID first if you have symptoms that affect your breathing. Symptoms of the common cold may last up to 14 days. Beyond that time point, prolonged symptoms may reflect a sinus infection, which can lost up to four weeks.
Symptoms that do not resolve within two weeks may require a visit to your primary care doctor, as some of those symptoms could require specific medications. If you or your child has high fevers or difficulties breathing, seek medical attention.
As you recover, remember to prioritize self-care. This means a priority on rest, sleep, nutrition and hydration. While this is not always easy, it may reduce the number of days that you are symptomatic and help you return to your activities faster.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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