‘Super cold’ is severe blow as immune systems fall short

THE so-called “super cold” sweeping Britain is likely to be no worse than normal, but is hitting people harder because of a lack of immunity, experts have said.

Health experts said lockdowns, social distancing and masks, had left Britons unable to shake off common infections.

Since September, increasing numbers have reported symptoms ranging from sandpaper throats, to muscle aches, with some saying that their cold has left them exhausted or even bedridden. Official figures show that the number of people coming forward with common colds and other respiratory infections is growing, particularly among the under-15s, though cases are rising in older people too.

Neil Mabbott, professor of immunopathology at the University of Edinburgh, said: “It is unlikely we are seeing the circulation of a ‘super cold’.

“Rather our immune systems have had limited exposure to colds over the past 18 months, so our immunity to these diseases will have waned during this period and will be less effective against colds than would be expected normally. This highlights the power of the lockdown, mask wearing, social distancing and sanitation measures introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Not only was this very effective in reducing transmission of the coronavirus within the community, but at the same time it had the additional benefit of reducing the spread of colds and other common transmissible diseases.”

Experts warned that some of the symptoms between colds and Covid can be similar. Alan Mcnally, professor of microbial evolutionary genomics at the University of Birmingham, added: “If you have any symptoms of respiratory infection, you should stay at home to prevent transmission and get a test done for Covid-19 to rule in or out.

“Trying to self-diagnose is a sure-fire way to send Covid-19 case rates soaring again.”