Spike in respiratory illnesses in children linked to pandemic 'immunity gap'

Measures to mitigate Covid-19 over the past two and a half years – lockdowns, distancing, masks, and washing hands – helped limit the spread of other viruses

Scientists in the US are warning that the lack of circulating respiratory viruses during the pandemic has caused an ‘immunity gap’ that is behind an unprecedented surge in infections.

The measures that helped keep us safe from Covid-19 over the past two and a half years – lockdowns, physical distancing, masks, and washing hands also helped limit the spread of other viruses.