https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2 ... -symptoms/
The rise of invasive strep A is one of a number of unusual ways pathogens have been interacting with us — and each other — amid the end of coronavirus-era social distancing and masking this year. Both the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are investigating the cases, including whether the viral storm that has been keeping many people sick may be at least partially to blame.
Why a 'tripledemic' is keeping some people sick for weeks, even months
Viral infections tend to create disorder in a person’s immune system, making it easier for a secondary bacterial infection to take hold and intensify its effects in some cases.
Minnesota health officials said they had seen 46 cases of invasive strep A in all ages in November, more than double the average 20 cases in previous months. Colorado reported that it was investigating not only a rise in invasive strep A cases, but also a possible increase in other severe or invasive bacterial infections in children.
“It could be we have altered patterns of immunity due to the pandemic that may have increased our vulnerability. But it could also be … different variants” of strep, he said. “It could be a combination of factors. No one knows.”
I don't think this has anything to do with me, but I've had a nasty head/throat/lungs cold, whatever, for the last week. Cannot shake it. I keep thinking it will be gone before Christmas. Since we are going to the grandkids' for dinner, I'll test for Covid before that, but I don't think that's what this is. Just interesting that people are having a hard time getting rid of infections these days, probably indirectly because of Covid.
Edited to add last quoted paragraph.