Health
Post Covid-Lockdown Disease Surge Tied to Waning Antibody Levels
- NZ scientists looking at rise of germs including RSV, Strep A
- ‘An unintended consequence of the pandemic restrictions’
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Respiratory germs like RSV and Strep A surged across the world after Covid mitigation measures eased. Scientists in New Zealand blame waning antibody levels.
Antibody responses in 150 regular blood donors were measured across the pandemic’s first three years for immunity against a range of pathogens notorious for causing winter illnesses. While antibodies against the Covid-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus increased exponentially through March 2023 — reflecting vaccination and infection once New Zealand’s borders re-opened — protection against Group A Streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus ebbed.