ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: At this point of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the worldwide loosening of health restrictions, there has been an observed jump in infectious load especially of the upper airways.Aims/Objectives: To shed light on children's immunity and potential health risks after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective chart review from May 2019 to January 2022. Pediatric patients with a discharge diagnosis suggestive of an upper respiratory or ENT infection were included. The sample was divided into three groups according to the date of presentation. RESULTS: A total 4356 patients were diagnosed with ENT infectious aetiology. The mean age was 4.69 years. The three periods studied were: Period-1 (May 2019-January 2020), period-2 (February 2020-April 2021) and period-3 (May 2021-January 2022). The distribution of adenoiditis and MEE is the same across all periods (p > .05). The incidence of URTI, AOM and tonsillitis were significantly highest during period-3 followed by period-1, which in turn was significantly higher than during period-2 (p < .05). The incidence of sinusitis was the highest during period-3 (p < .001). CONCLUSION: There seems to be a heightened susceptibility to acute infection in children after the pandemic.Significance: It is important to keep in mind the changes in microbiota and implement measures to promote healthy gut flora, timely vaccination, and prompt medical interventions.Summary BoxWhat is already known: We already know that quarantine has significantly decreased infectious load especially in children.This study adds an objective assessment of this decrease with an assessment of the infectious load post-quarantine.This study is a model for future pandemics on the importance of vaccinations and the importance of microbiota changes after pandemics.