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A new study from Boston Medical Center reports that infections caused by common cold coronaviruses (ccCoVs) have declined by approximately 50% following widespread exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. The research, led by Trisha Parayil of the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, analyzed infection rates before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing five pre-pandemic seasons (October 2015–March 2020) to two post-pandemic seasons (October 2022–April 2024).
The study found that while ccCoV infections dropped significantly, rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza remained largely unchanged. After accounting for factors such as age, biological sex at birth, and hospitalization levels, the odds of detecting ccCoV were more than 50% lower in the post-pandemic period. In contrast, RSV infections were about 25% higher, and influenza rates showed no significant change.
Researchers suggest that the decline in ccCoV infections may be linked to the genetic and antigenic similarities shared between SARS-CoV-2 and other common cold coronaviruses. They note that both natural infection and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 could be providing a form of “heterotypic immunity,” though the exact contributions of each remain unclear.
The study also found that individuals under 18 years old experienced higher rates of both ccCoV and RSV infections, while those over 65 did not see similar increases. Biological sex at birth was not associated with differences in infection rates for either virus.
However, the authors caution that their findings show an association rather than causation, and results from a single center in Boston may not be generalizable to other regions. They also note that ongoing evolution of coronaviruses and changes in immunity levels could alter these trends in the future.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on a single-center, retrospective study and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings demonstrate an association but do not establish a direct causal relationship. Results may not apply to all populations, and further research is needed to confirm these observations in other settings.
