Keren Landman, senior health reporter at Vox, discusses the increase in illnesses post-pandemic and whether it's due to perception or actual prevalence. She explores the prevalence of cold and flu viruses before and during COVID-19, the impact of reduced immunologic guard, and unresolved issues in healthcare policies contributing to widespread illness.
Increased awareness and attention to symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to the perception of more illness in both young and healthy individuals.
Policy choices, such as the lack of paid sick leave and limited access to vaccines, have contributed to the spread of viruses and pose a significant concern for vulnerable populations like the elderly and medically compromised individuals.
Deep dives
Increase in Sickness and Awareness
More people are experiencing illness recently, including young and healthy individuals. This may be due to increased awareness and attention to symptoms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there are multiple viruses circulating, such as flu, RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and other coronaviruses, which can contribute to the higher sickness rates. Previous social distancing measures may have reduced exposure to these viruses, resulting in reduced immunity against them.
Policy Choices and Lack of Vaccination
Policy choices, such as the lack of paid sick leave and limited access to vaccines, have contributed to the spread of viruses. Nursing homes, in particular, have low vaccination rates for diseases like flu and RSV, despite the availability of effective vaccines. The lack of adequate protection for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and medically compromised individuals, is a concerning policy issue.
Immunity and Behavioral Norms
The pandemic has disrupted regular exposure to viruses and may have weakened our immune systems. People are still adjusting to behavioral norms surrounding sickness and taking precautions. The varying behaviors and lack of data make it challenging to determine how people are responding to illnesses and if they are taking appropriate actions.
Are we still paying off our pandemic-induced “immunity debt,” or is there another reason that it feels like we’re all sniffling and coughing and just feeling sick?
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