Have you or your loved ones gotten sick more often since the Covid pandemic? You’re not alone. According to a study done by Bloomberg and London-based disease forecasting firm, Airfinity Ltd., at least 13 communicable diseases- from the common cold to measles and tuberculosis- are surging past pre-pandemic levels in regions across the world. The research also found that 44 countries and territories have a reported resurgence in one or more infectious diseases that’s at least 10 times worse than the pre-Covid baseline.
In the past few years, we have seen different seasons characterized with “tripledemics” of Covid, RSV and influenza surging together. Whooping cough cases have climbed by 45 times in China in the first four months of 2024 compared with last year. “Flesh-eating” disease that can kill people within 48 hours is spreading in Japan. Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) reached 977 this year by June 2, almost a 200% increase in the number of infections reported during the same period last year according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. At the current rate of infections, it is predicted that the number of cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year, with a terrifying mortality rate of 30%. STSS is caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the same bacteria that causes strep throat in children. Since 2022, health agencies around the world recorded a surge in severe invasive Strep A infections following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. In the USA, UK and parts of Europe, measles, which was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, is spreading.
Is there anything we can do?
- Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. Staying up to date with vaccinations can help protect infants, children and vulnerable groups against potentially life-threatening diseases. But for certain viruses (like Covid-19 and influenza), often times, the immunity acquired through vaccination is not permanent. This is known as the waning effect, hence the need for vaccine boosters.
- The immune system plays a crucial role in the susceptibility, persistence, and clearance of infections. If you or your child is getting sick again and again, it’s time to support and restore proper immune function. With at least 70% of immune cells present in the gut, a healthy gut microbiome (i.e. having a wide range of different beneficial bacteria) is vital for a healthy immune system and plays an important role in regulating immune function. In addition to consuming probiotics (through food and/ or supplementation), it’s important to eat nutritious foods to boost immunity and ensure adequate fiber/ prebiotics intake so that the beneficial gut bacteria can grow and thrive. Click here to learn more tips on rebuilding your immunity, naturally.
- To help prevent transmission, practice “respiratory etiquette”: Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow, not into the air or your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face. The eyes, nose and mouth are all entry portals for viruses and bacteria. “Scratching the nose, rubbing your eyes, leaning on your chin and your fingers go next to your mouth — there’s multiple ways we do it,” said Dr. Nancy C. Elder, a professor of family medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. “Everybody touches their face, and it’s a difficult habit to break.”
Your mental/ emotional health, amount of sleep, level of exercise, ability to regulate inflammation, smoking/ vaping/ alcohol-drinking habits, etc. also impact how well your body fights infections. If you are concerned about recurrent infections or want to know more ways to support your immunity, find a healthcare practitioner who is up-to-date on the latest research and trained to help your body function optimally.
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 