Immunity debt: Hospitals need to be prepared in advance for multiple respiratory diseases that tend to co-occur

作者：Ting Li, Cordia Ming-Yeuk Chu, Biying Wei, Hongzhou Lu · 发表于：BioScience Trends · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.5582/bst.2023.01303 · 被引用次数：26 · 研究领域：Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy、COVID-19 epidemiological studies、Immune responses and vaccinations

As SARS-CoV-2 transitions from a pandemic to an endemic presence, a significant rise in respiratory diseases such as influenza and Mycoplasma pneumonia is challenging healthcare systems weakened by the impact of COVID-19. This commentary examines the global resurgence of respiratory pathogens, heightened by the post-pandemic "immunity debt", through an analysis of WHO surveillance data and national health reports. Findings reveal a substantial increase in respiratory illnesses, notably among children, compounded by a shortage of pediatricians and growing antimicrobial resistance. This underscores the need to improve hospital preparedness, optimize clinical responses, and enhance public health strategies to effectively navigate the impending peak of concurrent respiratory infections.