The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented period of focused research, with the opportunity for rapid informed practice change. Several features rose to early prominence and drew comparison with other severe respiratory viral infections, notably influenza1. The distinctions included a lower rate of bacterial co-infection on presentation1 and substantially higher rates of secondary infections amongst the critically ill2. Various reasons have been advanced for the high rates of secondary infections3 including the empiric use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Immunomodulation, particularly with glucocorticoids, has been repeatedly associated with secondary infections2, whilst the sessional use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and breakdown in infection control procedures has also been implicated3. Some groups have identified features of COVID-induced immunoparesis4 that may have facilitated the development of secondary infections, particularly those involving opportunistic pathogens such as moulds.