"Limited social interactions" due to pandemic may have weakened island immunity

Thursday 22 December 2022

A lack of social interaction during lockdown may be partially to blame for the wave of winter viruses sweeping the island, according to the island’s Public Health Director.

Flu, covid, scarlet fever and RSV are all currently surging in Jersey, wreaking havoc on staffing levels for some businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

The number of cases of scarlet fever recorded in Jersey this month is more than double usual December figures. A total of 40 cases of the bacteria-based bug have been seen, with parents being advised to be vigilant.

Last week, the number of known active cases of covid jumped by almost 60% to more than 800, with two islanders with the illness sadly confirmed to have died. The latest set of covid stats are due to be released this evening.

Public Health Director Professor Peter Bradley said that while it is "usual" to see a rise in viruses over the winter, it was "unusual to see them all at the same time".

He added that islanders' reduced social interactions due to the pandemic may have played a part.

"It's reasonable to assume that when we are in contact with a virus, we build up immunity," he said.

"We are slightly more vulnerable and that's why vaccinating is more important at the moment.

"There is reason to assume that limited social interactions have had an impact."

Despite the challenge of an intensified spike in viruses, Professor Bradley added that there were no current shortages of antibiotics.

"I do know that the Hospital is coping well on a daily basis and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer confirmed that there are enough supplies of antibiotics."

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