Why are we getting sick? Diseases are playing catch-up after Covid, expert reveals

A top infectious disease expert warns it could be up to three years before Queenslanders fully regain their immunity, as a number of vicious bugs spread like wildfire.

As thousands are struck down with rising cases of gastro and Strep A, the country’s top infectious disease expert warns it could be up to three years before Queenslanders’ immunity returns in full following the Covid onslaught.

“We were not exposed to illness and disease for two to three years as we protected ourselves from Covid and we can expect it to be same time frame before our bodies are back to pre-Covid days. These illnesses are now playing catch-up,” clinical professor at the University of Sydney Prof Robert Booy told The Courier-Mail.

Also, as Queenslanders spend more time in the community following the end of restrictions and the end of mask wearing, disease is spreading like wildfire.

Viruse are spikign across Queensland as they circulate more through the community following Covid lockdowns.

The latest Queensland Health data revealed a spike in rotavirus, which can cause diarrhoea, with 2213 cases recorded from January 1 to November 27 which is almost twice the five-year average of 1256.

Similarly with Strep A, there were 359 Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) notifications between January 1 and December 4 2022 in the state, a 20 per cent increase on the five-year average for the same time period between 2017-21.

“As we move around more we are increasing the chances of spreading infections. We are also seeing increased cases of influenza which makes it easier for viruses to invade the throat. Gastro is so easily spread in preschools and these small children take it home and give it to all their family members,” Prof Booy said.

Queensland chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Bruce Willett, said that summer often sees a rise in gastro cases.

“But, I would imagine the fact that families are not isolating and are out mixing in the community following the end of Covid restrictions is adding to the case numbers,” he said.

Rotavirus is usually spread by coming into contact with an infected person and can be spread simply by coughing and sneezing but it can also be transmitted through water supply or even through food like vegetables.

Most children who develop rotavirus are contagious for 12 days.

Streptococci bacteria survive in throats and on hands and can be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing or skin contact. The bacteria can be carried in the throat or skin without the person showing any symptoms of illness.