The Naked Scientists Podcast Has COVID-19 weakened our immunity?
Oct 7, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Natalie McDermott, a paediatric infectious diseases consultant, shares her harrowing journey with severe COVID and its aftermath, linking it to autoimmune and neurological conditions. Claire Bryant, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, delves into how COVID could lead to lasting changes in our immune responses. They explore the concept of “immunity debt,” the unusual patterns of infections post-lockdown, and whether COVID itself is responsible for emerging immune deficits. The conversation reveals the intricate connections between COVID and our immune health.
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Seasonal Patterns Returned But Remain Altered
- UKHSA observed seasonal viruses largely returned but some patterns remained altered after COVID measures relaxed.
- Coinfections and shifted timing (e.g., scarlet fever in winter 2022) caused more severe disease, especially in children.
Immunity Debt Explains Many Post-Pandemic Spikes
- 'Immunity debt' means reduced exposure during lockdowns left larger pools of susceptible people.
- Catch-up infection waves can explain many post-pandemic spikes in RSV and flu.
Transient Immune Changes After COVID Are Common
- COVID causes transient immune changes like many viral infections but long-lasting universal immunosuppression is not clearly shown.
- Most people do not show large, persistent immune defects six to twelve months after infection.