Disease Paradox (Social Distancing vs Exposure)

The Disease Paradox. It’s funny, we all remember being told: “wash your hands”, “wear a mask”, “stay at home if you’re sick”, basically, “avoid catching and spreading disease”. But during the most recent flu season which was much worse than normal, as well as the surge in RSV, we were told, “It’s because of our lack of exposure”. By locking ourselves away for so long and taking all these measures, society has not been exposed to a normal amount of disease, paradoxically making us more susceptible to disease, the so-called “immunity gap”. It turns out our immune systems need exposure to pathogens to maintain a good level of resistance. Duh! But yet, in the one article. we’re told two different things. “Lack of exposure leads to more people getting sick”, but, “the best thing you can do to avoid sickness is to prevent exposure by washing your hands and wearing a mask”. It seems like humans are their own worst enemy.

‘ROLLERCOASTER OF A SICKNESS’: HOW A HORROR FLU SEASON IS CATCHING AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES OFF GUARD
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/06/rollercoaster-of-a-sickness-how-a-horror-flu-season-is-catching-australian-families-off-guard

CASES OF RSV SURGE ACROSS AUSTRALIA
https://www.9news.com.au/videos/health/cases-of-rsv-surge-across-australia/cljuimgy6000t0llmajob5563

WHY DID FLU SEASON START SO EARLY THIS YEAR?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-did-flu-season-start-so-early-this-year/

PANDEMIC ‘IMMUNITY GAP’ IS PROBABLY BEHIND SURGE IN RSV CASES, SCIENTISTS SAY
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/26/health/rsv-immunity-gap/index.html

IMMUNITY DEBT: DOES IT REALLY EXIST?
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jan/14/immunity-debt-does-it-really-exist

#shorts