Thread by @ScienceUpFirst

There is a lot of misinformation circulating online about this idea of “immunity debt”, so it’s important that you get your facts right.

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The term “immunity debt'' was coined and first mentioned in an opinion paper published in August 2021.

The author discusses the possibility of an immunity gap from the COVID-19 sanitary measure and the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreak.

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Misinformers are now using this idea of “immunity debt” to suggest that the COVID-19 public health measures have weakened people’s immune systems by preventing them from being exposed to pathogens.

There are 2 problems with how they use this idea.

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#1
Your immune system was not off duty for the past 2 years. It was still exposed everyday to a multitude of microbes.

#2
Our immune system does not weaken if it is not challenged for a while like muscles do.

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However, our immune system might have limited exposure to certain pathogens that cause seasonal illnesses and this is especially true for children.

Right now, many children are struggling with RSV, a common cause of respiratory infection in infants.

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Pre-pandemic, children were mainly exposed to RSV throughout the fall/winter. Now that most sanitary measures are lifted, many children are being exposed to RSV:

- For the 1st time.
- All at once

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High hospitalization rates in children are potentially due to a combination of different factors.

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There is a shortage of over the counter pain & fever reducing medicine for children right now in Canada. Without these medications to manage the symptoms of viral infection, concerned parents turn to hospitals and clinics for help instead.

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COVID-19 infections have been associated with disruption in the innate and adaptive immune responses in some populations, which could increase the susceptibility for subsequent infections.

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What can you do to help?
Make sure that your family is up to date with their vaccines.

If you are experiencing any symptoms:
-Stay home
-Wear a mask
-Wash your hands
-Social distance

Any questions? Let us know in the comments.

tinyurl.com/SUFImmunityDebt
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