Wearing masks to prevent one epidemic may mask another.

Abstract

Background: With attempts at lifting most COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, other common respiratory viruses have caused more health concern than in earlier seasons in pediatric populations.

Objective: To explore the role of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in a rebound in other respiratory viral pathogens, especially in light of general vaccination fatigue, COVID-19 boosters, and operational challenges in the healthcare system.

Methods: A research-based commentary supported with recent literature review.

Findings: Pandemic-related lockdowns in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have created a significant population of susceptible young children without preexisting immunity due to lack of exposure during the colder months. Relying on NPIs for a prolonged period due to low vaccination rates may lead to increased respiratory infection susceptibility, especially among young children less than 5 years old. The key public health question is whether NPIs should be implemented in the long run and what are the long-term implications on the dynamics of endemic infections and population immunity.

Discussion: Prevention cannot be the only cure for any infectious disease, and long-term impact of NPIs depends on the dynamics of population susceptibility. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has reinforced the importance of vaccination and the knowledge on vaccine use combined with NPIs will be of great value in controlling other known and unknown respiratory pathogens. Combining NPIs and vaccination is paramount in disease control, and the discussion on how to prevent collateral damage to sensitive populations while relaxing NPI-related measures should also merit attention.