What You Need to Know About Immunity Debt and How May It Affect Kids

What You Need to Know About Immunity Debt and How May It Affect Kids

Subject :Science and  Technology

Section: Biotechnology

Context:
Just when it felt like the resumption of regular life was on the horizon, parents are being warned of a new threat to their children’s health. Doctors have expressed concern that a surge in common illnesses—such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)and seasonal influenza—could be around the corner. This is due to what is being called an “immunity debt,” a phenomenon caused by the non-pharmaceutical measures taken to combat COVID-19.

• Doctors fear that as COVID-19 restrictions end, so too will the temporary suppression of illnesses such as RSV, chickenpox, strep throat, flu, and more, potentially causing further epidemics down the line.

Immunity Debt

• “Immunity debt” refers to the lack of immune stimulation due to the reduced exposure to viruses, germs and bacteria as a result of COVID-19 safety and lockdown measures.
• The “immunity debt” occurs because of measures like lockdowns, hand-washing, social distancing and masks which are not only effective at controlling Covid-19 but they also suppress the spread of other illnesses that transmit in a similar way, including the flu, common cold etc.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

• It is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. 

Symptoms

• Runny nose, Decrease in appetite, Coughing, Sneezing, Fever, Wheezing
• The symptoms usually reflect within 4-6 days after getting infected and appear in stages.

Recovery Period

• Usually, people recover in 1-2 weeks but it can prove to be serious for infants and older adults. 

Cure

• While there is no specific treatment for RSV infection, consuming over the counter fever reducers and pain relievers, drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration may provide some relief to the symptoms.