A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a 21% increase in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the winter of 2022-23. Despite the population’s acquired immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the study concluded that the burden of ARIs may be higher than before the pandemic, even without the emergence of new variants.
The study surveyed 70,000 participants in a digital health study, with 37,708 reporting 54,813 ARIs, including 9,358 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. The highest incidence of ARIs was seen in December 2022, with 26 infections per 100 people. Adults aged 30 to 39 had the highest cumulative incidence, with 208 infections per 100 people over the 7-month period.
The authors emphasized the importance of decision-makers understanding the burden of ARIs to implement policies aimed at reducing infection rates, such as vaccination strategies. With implications for the workforce in mind, they stressed the need to consider this additional burden and adapt policies accordingly.
Overall, this study highlights that COVID-19 will continue to be a significant burden during cold and flu seasons and underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate its impact on public health.
