Sharp Rise in Respiratory Disease Infections Amid Loosened US and Europe Quarantine Measures... Previously Blocked Human-to-Human Transmission
Infants and Toddlers Without Prior Pathogen Exposure at Highest Risk
[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jinsoo Lee] According to a recent report by the American daily The New York Times, influenza and other viruses, which had been almost forgotten for over a year due to COVID-19, are making a comeback.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and mask-wearing were effectively implemented, which helped prevent other pathogens and bacteria. However, as social distancing and mask-wearing have relaxed in the United States and Europe, the spread of influenza has increased.
In the case of influenza, symptoms have become more severe than before. This is because the human immune system has not been able to respond immediately to the influenza virus during the relatively safe period from influenza over the past year.
Young children and infants are known to be particularly vulnerable. They also act as carriers of the virus. Dr. Paul Skolnik, an immunologist at Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, said, "The immune system is activated and can respond immediately to pathogens only when frequently exposed to various pathogens. If not exposed to pathogens, the immune system's response slows down or does not function at all, making one vulnerable to some respiratory infections and causing symptoms to last longer."
Last year, influenza, rhinovirus, and other common viral infections could not spread because opportunities for person-to-person transmission were blocked. However, as COVID-19-related restrictions have eased in the United States and Europe, infection cases have already increased. In Texas, which was the first state in the U.S. to lift the mask mandate in March, respiratory virus infections surged immediately after the mandate was lifted.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spreading rapidly across the southern United States this summer. It is very rare for RSV, which usually occurs in the fall or winter, to surge in the summer. However, some experts had predicted this.
RSV and other types of influenza symptoms are more severe and last longer than in the past. Especially this summer, influenza is known to be dangerous for the elderly and young children.
According to the British authoritative newspaper The Times, RSV is also surging in New Zealand and Australia, which are considered exemplary countries in COVID-19 prevention. The situation in New Zealand is particularly grim. The virus is spreading among children under two years old, leading to an increase in hospitalizations. Children born last year and this year may not have developed a normal immune system due to limited exposure to many pathogens.
Experts advise following existing guidelines such as wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands frequently, and covering the mouth with a sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
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