> Not sure why you’d ask that given my anecdote

Sorry didn't mean to offend. I have prediabtes and dr told me that it could lower my immunity. That was his response when i asked him if there is anything i could do to stop getting sick.

> No one in my family is overweight or has any sort of health issues

same here. I am not obese or have any visible health issues but have high fasting glucose and prediabetes a1c. Even prediabetes can impair the immune system.

This doesn't contradict your anecdote though. Its totally possible that you and your friends are getting more sick now given increased exposure and high rates of prediabetes in the country ( 41% of men , 1/3 overall population)