The chapter explores the increase in illnesses like COVID, strep throat, RSV, pneumonia, and shingles, as data reporters collaborate with disease forecasters to analyze global health data and investigate the reasons behind this surge. It highlights the significant rise in 13 communicable diseases above pre-pandemic levels worldwide, impacting public health systems, medical facilities, and economies.
Have you had the flu recently? Or RSV? Or just … some bug that you can’t quite shake? If so – you’re not alone. Bloomberg’s data team recently decided to investigate whether or not the perception that we’re all getting sick all the time is actually backed up by numbers. And what they found was truly surprising: in countries around the world, people are getting much sicker, much more often in the wake of the pandemic.
On today’s episode, host Sarah Holder and Bloomberg data reporter Jinshan Hong try to solve this global health mystery – including the potential culprits behind the surge in sickness and what we can do to avoid getting ill so often.
Read more: Yes, Everyone Really Is Sick a Lot More Often After Covid
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