Yes, we’re getting more infections! (By Patricia Toro, MD MPH)

July 2, 2024

It seems like everyone is getting sick all the time. Now, there is data to back up this impression.

A recent report (gift link valid through July 1) from Bloomberg and a UK consultancy Airfinity  shows that 13 infectious diseases have surged beyond pre-pandemic levels in many geographies.

The list of diseases with increased incidence is broad. The report cites increases in common infections like influenza or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), as well as outbreaks of diseases that were previously wiped out in many geographies (like measles). Some diseases that were once contained to certain geographies (like Dengue Fever) are now distributed more widely.

China has had 45 times more cases of whooping cough compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 28% more influenza cases in the US last year compared to 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just issued an alert regarding Dengue Fever, which has been transmitted locally this year in multiple states. 

But why all these new infections? And why post-pandemic? The authors speculate that there are three potential contributors. First, during the worst of the pandemic, vaccination programs slowed or halted altogether worldwide, leaving many individuals, particularly children, unvaccinated. Missed vaccinations during or since the pandemic, whether due to operational issues or growing mistrust of vaccines, are impacting disease rates today.

A second, and less impactful potential contributor, may have been the lack of person-to-person interaction during the pandemic. This meant that viruses that may have circulated at low levels stopped, lowering the immunity of the larger population. This is sometimes called “immunity debt.” When interaction started again, many more people were exposed to these infections all at once. Lastly, changes in climate have expanded the geographies where some diseases circulate more freely, impacting communities that had not previously been in contact with these infections.

Implications for employers:

• Remind employees that vaccinations are available at local pharmacies or their provider’s office, and that there is no cost sharing for vaccinations recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force.

• Consider offering on-site vaccine clinics at sites with concentrations of employees. Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 boosters will be available in the fall, and arrangements for on-site delivery should generally be made in the summer.

• August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Consider sharing materials and reminders about all needed vaccinations to employees during that campaign. The CDC has materials in multiple languages that your organization can use to promote preventive health actions.

Thanks for reading.  You can find previous posts in the Employer Coverage archive

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Tomorrow: Wednesday Shorts: Chemotherapy timing, GLP-1s and sleep apnea, and psychedelics