Colds return: UK infections on the rise as autumn approaches | Common cold

The back from schools and the onset of fall means colds and other respiratory infections are on the rise, spreading coughs and sneezes, more serious illnesses and prompting some to report their disease. the worst colds ever.

There isn’t a particularly nasty new virus circulating, according to Public Health England, but as cases increase, experts warn people can expect more frequent infections and more severe symptoms now that the UK comes out of lockdown.

Colds and other respiratory tract infections tend to intensify in September, when schools restart and fall arrives, but after that 18 months of social distancing and wearing a mask, it is believed that many people have weaker immune defenses to protect themselves against the onslaught of respiratory viruses.

With reduced immunity at all levels, people can get sick with viruses they would normally have fought off with few problems, or develop co-infections that make them feel worse. This is especially likely if the viruses that have been kept at bay by the anti-Covid measures all bounce back at the same time.

“We don’t know what we’re going to be seeing with colds this season,” said Professor Ronald Eccles, former director of the Common Cold Center at Cardiff University. “We’re seeing that increase now, but the whole system has been out of balance with the fact that we’ve distanced ourselves socially and we’re wearing masks, and kids haven’t had that immunity in the last year or so. “

Common colds are caused by a wide variety of viruses, including 100 different rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, four types of non-Covid coronavirus, influenza and parainfluenza. Normally, occasional exposure to viruses, especially in winter, strengthens our immunity to them.

Other countries have already seen an increase in the common cold after the closures. In Hong Kong, schools and nurseries have witnessed an explosion of colds when they reopened last fall. This is not the only place where this has happened. “In New Zealand … respiratory illnesses unrelated to Covid are occurring earlier, affecting more people – especially spread through schoolchildren and nurseries – and are more severe, possibly due to decreased immunity from the population towards them, “said Professor Stephen Holgate at Southampton General Hospital. .

“This is already happening in the UK, particularly with RSV and admissions to children’s hospitals and intensive care, with RSV occurring one to two months earlier than normal,” he added.

Public health surveillance in England released thursday has shown that the number of people with colds and other respiratory infections continues to increase, especially among those under 15, although cases are also increasing among the elderly.

“It may well be that now colds are rebounding, due to declining social distancing and wearing masks, that they are bouncing back and the airways have not had enough recent experience of respiratory infections to be able to build that strong first line of defense, ”said Professor Peter Openshaw of Imperial College London.

In July, the Academy of Medical Sciences warned that a multitude of respiratory viruses, including influenza and RSV, could bounce back in winter and add to the pressure of Covid on the NHS. As these infections escalate, it will be crucial for people to have rapid Covid tests if they develop symptoms, said Dr Gary Howsam, vice president of the Royal College of GPs.

“After more than a year in which most people, with the exception of frontline staff, have had limited contact with others, it is inevitable that as we spend more time mingling to other people we are starting to see a major resurgence of illnesses like colds, flu and stomach bugs, alongside the Covid-19 virus in the community, ”he said.

“Symptoms of Covid-19 can often be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as the common cold. It is therefore important that if a patient exhibits symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change in smell or taste, they receive a PCR test immediately and afterwards. have received a positive result. result, self-isolate for the required period of time.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director of Public Health England, said: ‘As we head into winter we can all take action to stay healthy and reduce the burden on the NHS. Hand washing, ventilation and wearing a mask are not only important for Covid-19, they also repel other insects. Try to stay home if you are feeling unwell.