From a Summer of Vaccines to a Season of Sniffles

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As we transition from a summer filled with vaccinations to one where colds are making a comeback, I’ve realized how much we’ve focused on COVID-19 without considering other viruses that were kept at bay during the pandemic. Over the past week, I’ve battled a cold and sinus pressure, which feels more intense than before. While I’m grateful for the benefits of being fully vaccinated, I’ve also noticed my airways are more exposed. I still wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces and around unvaccinated individuals, but in outdoor settings or among vaccinated friends, I’ve let my guard down. This change has left my immune system vulnerable to the germs we previously kept at bay with masks and limited social interactions.

In Vermont, where I live, COVID restrictions have been lifted due to 80% vaccination rates, leading many to unmask. After a long period of isolation, I’ve heard numerous accounts of people experiencing their first colds in over a year. Parents at soccer games and colleagues on Zoom are reporting congestion and fatigue, reminding us that while we may be vaccinated against COVID-19, we’re still susceptible to common colds.

I initially wondered if my immune system had weakened due to prolonged isolation, but research shows that our immune systems develop before birth and in early childhood; maintaining a clean environment doesn’t diminish their strength. Instead, the masks and social distancing of the past year merely protected us from various germs. As these protections fade, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Alan Thompson, an infectious disease expert, confirms that with the lifting of mask mandates, there’s been an uptick in sore throats, coughs, and colds. The previous year’s extensive masking and distancing resulted in an unprecedented low for flu cases, and fewer cases overall mean our bodies are encountering familiar germs again.

I had almost forgotten what it felt like to be sick, but with reports of a return to colds, the importance of masks is becoming increasingly clear. Masks were not just a political statement; they were a practical way to protect ourselves and others. I remain thankful for my strong immune system, but I cannot help but wonder what the impact of COVID-19 would have been on my health.

As my children prepare for summer camp, they will be allowed to go mask-free outdoors, though we await guidance on indoor regulations. Since they are not yet vaccinated, I will likely insist they wear masks indoors. I prefer to keep avoiding the colds and viruses that have lingered in the background. I’ve even suggested to my kids that wearing masks in public during the colder months could be beneficial if it means fewer sick days, although they aren’t entirely on board with the idea yet.

So, brace yourself for a summer where colds may make their reappearance as we shed our masks. The heat is rising, and germs are eager to spread.

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Summary:

As we navigate a summer where COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, many are experiencing an uptick in colds and respiratory illnesses. The transition from a heavily masked society means our immune systems are once again exposed to common germs. While vaccines have offered protection against COVID-19, the absence of masks has led to a resurgence of colds. As we adapt to these changes, it’s important to remain vigilant about our health.