How does the pandemic shape the future of allergies?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an extraordinary challenge to societies and healthcare systems. Allergic individuals could not be an exception, being both directly and indirectly affected by the rapid and exponential spread of SARS-CoV-2. Although asthma was initially considered a risk factor for severe disease, evidence suggests that only poorly controlled asthmatics may constitute a high-risk group. A complex interplay between various factors involved in type 2 inflammation appears to determine an individual’s susceptibility to the virus and control of the infection. The impact of the pandemic on allergic patients’ mental health and trust in vaccines was also substantial, but through proper public health measures these effects are anticipated to abate. The implementation of innovative telemedical services was extensive and their use in everyday clinical practice will hopefully improve outcomes in various allergic diseases in the near future. Mitigation measures resulted in several changes in the exposome, including air quality and circulation of respiratory viruses, but also in human microbiome. The repercussions of these measures on the incidence and severity of allergic diseases are currently under study. Notwithstanding the detrimental consequences of SARS-CoV-2, the evolving pandemic offers the opportunity to investigate the long-term implications of various exposome changes; furthermore, it has provided opportunities towards improved care and public health measures to support the allergic individual.