The Unending Cycle of Illness: Understanding the Surge of Persistent Colds and Coughs

In a world recovering from the onslaught of a pandemic, a peculiar phenomenon has taken hold, an endless wave of illness that seems impossible to dodge. From the incessant symphony of coughs and sneezes to the frustration of frequent colds, many South Africans find themselves ensnared in what seems like an endless cycle of sickness. This phenomenon has only been exacerbated since the arrival of COVID-19, with more people reporting that their colds are harsher and their coughs drag on for far longer than before.

Why has this become our reality? The simple answer lies in viral math; today, we contend with not just seasonal flu and colds but also COVID-19, adding to the infectious burden. Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, a prominent figure at the Boston University’s Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research, emphasizes that the infectious diseases prevalent during virus seasons have only increased. Beyond the notorious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, our bodies now battle over 200 viruses capable of causing cold-like symptoms – enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses among them.

Yet, despite the pervasive belief, these viruses have not evolved to become more severe. Bhadelia sheds light on a different angle: our bodies have, in a sense, forgotten how to fight off these diseases effectively. The stringent measures implemented during the peak of the pandemic, though crucial in curbing COVID-19 transmission, inadvertently impeded the circulation of other common viruses. With such measures loosening and social interactions resuming, a myriad of illnesses once again found fertile ground to flourish.

The recent "tripledemic", the simultaneous surge of flu, RSV, and COVID, exemplifies this phenomenon. Complicated by an uptick in cases of strep throat and the return of the norovirus, the panorama of disease facing the population is formidable. Dr. Luis Ostrosky, of UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann, introduces an intriguing term: "immunity debt", suggesting that our immune systems must reacquaint themselves with pathogens they have not encountered in years.

In confronting these once-familiar foes anew, our bodies must relearn to produce antibodies. Consequently, Ostrosky suggests that re-exposure might result in milder symptoms and an expedited recovery process in the future. COVID-19 has undoubtedly heightened our awareness of illness and its symptoms. Where a severe cough at work or school might have been dismissed pre-pandemic, it now prompts concern and attention.

Dr. Debra Langlois from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital encourages vigilance but also offers a historical perspective: even before our current predicament, respiratory infections required a staggering time to resolve. The elongated durations – up to 15 days for a cold and 25 days for a cough – are not novel, although the intense focus on symptoms may amplify the perceived length of the illness.

Adding complexity, post-viral coughs and potential secondary infections can prolong or intensify the feeling of illness, blurring the lines between separate viral encounters. To mitigate the impact of these infections, Langlois advocates for accessible preventative measures: vaccinations, adherence to the latest flu and COVID-19 shots, and retaining pandemic lessons, such as self-isolating when unwell and embracing masks in crowded places like airplanes.

For families grappling with young germ-carriers, there is a glimmer of hope. As children mature, they become less likely to cough in close proximity and more agreeable to proper hand hygiene. Although it may seem relentless, this continuous cycle of sickness is a phenomenon we can comprehend and combat with informed strategies and perseverance.