The term “immunity debt'' was coined and first mentioned in an opinion paper published in August 2021.
The author discusses the possibility of an immunity gap from the COVID-19 sanitary measure and the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreak.
#ScienceUpFirst

[2/10]
Misinformers are now using this idea of “immunity debt” to suggest that the COVID-19 public health measures have weakened people’s immune systems by preventing them from being exposed to pathogens.
There are 2 problems with how they use this idea.
#ScienceUpFirst

[3/10]
#1
Your immune system was not off duty for the past 2 years. It was still exposed everyday to a multitude of microbes.
#2
Our immune system does not weaken if it is not challenged for a while like muscles do.
#ScienceUpFirst

[4/10]
However, our immune system might have limited exposure to certain pathogens that cause seasonal illnesses and this is especially true for children.
Right now, many children are struggling with RSV, a common cause of respiratory infection in infants.
#ScienceUpFirst

[5/10]
Pre-pandemic, children were mainly exposed to RSV throughout the fall/winter. Now that most sanitary measures are lifted, many children are being exposed to RSV:
- For the 1st time.
- All at once
#ScienceUpFirst

[6/10]
High hospitalization rates in children are potentially due to a combination of different factors.
#ScienceUpFirst

[7/10]
There is a shortage of over the counter pain & fever reducing medicine for children right now in Canada. Without these medications to manage the symptoms of viral infection, concerned parents turn to hospitals and clinics for help instead.
#ScienceUpFirst

[8/10]
COVID-19 infections have been associated with disruption in the innate and adaptive immune responses in some populations, which could increase the susceptibility for subsequent infections.
#ScienceUpFirst

[9/10]
What can you do to help?
Make sure that your family is up to date with their vaccines.
If you are experiencing any symptoms:
-Stay home
-Wear a mask
-Wash your hands
-Social distance
Any questions? Let us know in the comments.
tinyurl.com/SUFImmunityDebt
#ScienceUpFirst

[10/10]