Colds, flu poised to make a comeback as people remove masks Photo by: Associated Press Common colds and flu cases may increase this year as people remove masks and return to pre-pandemic activities. and last updated 2021-06-01 22:08:02-04 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) â As more people ditch the masks and return to pre-pandemic activities, common colds and coughs may return with a vengeance. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said he is already hearing reports of more colds, coughs, and sore throats, after a year where common viruses were practically non-existent. "Last year, because of all our masking and social distancing and kids not being in school, we had the lowest flu season in recorded history," said Dr. Schaffner.