A Sniffle Surge

The return to schools, universities and offices in the UK along with the arrival of Autumn (Fall) weather (forcing people into closer proximity), has predictably resulted in a surge in Common cold infections (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/24/return-of-the-common-cold-infections-surge-in-uk-as-autumn-arrives). Some authorities think the cold infections are have worse symptoms, after 18 months of social distancing/face mask wearing. They feel that immune defenses against this virus may have weakened. The Common cold virus also mutates so it has had a long time to change. It's, of course, also likely that the changed conditions/ behaviours in the UK, will increase the transmission of both the Covid19 and seasonal influenza viruses. It's consequently worrying that the usual annual roll-out of the seasonal influenza vaccine, has been delayed by driver shortages. Seasonal influenza can also be a killer, especially in old folk living in cold, damp houses. The current problems associated with energy supply to domestic residences and care homes, won't help.