Common illness is on the rise at a seemingly greater severity and not following the typical winter seasonal pattern.
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That's according to Dr Aarielle McLaren at The Practice Bundanoon, who has a theory behind the apparent increase in the Highlands of common colds and flus.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and at the height of lock downs, the common cold and flu became almost extinct, according to Dr McLaren.
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"As general practitioners it was a shock for the first time in our careers to not be overrun with the seasonal cold and flu season," she said.
However, that's changed as people have emerged from their work-at-home and home schooling cocoons.
Dr McLaren has a theory around the rise in more severe common illnesses.
"There are several hypothesised factors contributing," she said.
"We have seen a steep rise, in particular of the common cold virus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as other viruses including rhinovirus. Not to mention other common lurgies such as gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis."
When the COVID-19 lock downs came to an end, people became lax on social distancing and mask wearing.
But Dr McLaren said these strict measures had been successful at not only stopping the spread of COVID-19 but also the spread of other common infectious illnesses.
"Our immune systems have not been exposed and challenged for a couple of years, hence our immunity has waned leaving our immune systems vulnerable to common illnesses," Dr McLaren said.
"This decrease in immunity may also explain the increase in severity when we do catch something."
The mother of five, who has toddlers in daycare, said she was particularly empathetic to parents.
"They're up in the wee hours, comforting snotty children and then frantically rearranging their work schedules or calling grandparents, to account for sick children," Dr McLaren said.
"Or they get that dreaded call to come and collect their unwell child from daycare or school in the middle of a frantic day in the office."
Dr McLaren said toddlers were the ones most impacted by these changes to public health.
"It's more so our poor toddlers who are coping it," Dr McLaren said.
"Most children by the time they turn two have been exposed to viruses such as RSV but our COVID-19 babies have spent most of their early years in lock down. Now they're left with immune systems that are being battered by common infectious illnesses, especially as they start daycare."
Dr McLaren said the pandemic showed that measures like social distancing and hand washing go a long way in stopping the spread of infectious disease.
"Although we are not going back into lock down, if we are unwell we should stay home from work or school, until we feel better," she said.
"Keep the tissue box handy and don't forget your COVID-19 booster but our immune systems are clever and should start building immunity over time."
Sally Foy
Regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. I am also a mother and advocate for children with a disability and epilepsy.
Regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. I am also a mother and advocate for children with a disability and epilepsy.
