COVID-19 may not be over, even if you’ve recovered. A growing body of evidence suggests that every COVID-19 infection increases the risk of developing long-term health issues, including silent organ damage.
Dr. David Putrino, a long COVID researcher at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, notes that “there is no such thing as a COVID infection without consequence.” Beyond long COVID symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, research has identified cumulative, silent damage that can occur in the background.
One area of concern is cognitive decline. A recent study found that individuals who survive an acute COVID-19 infection may lose 2 to 6 IQ points per infection. This effect is due to SARS-CoV-2’s ability to cause inflammation and damage to central nervous system structures.
The virus can also affect other body systems, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, and digestive system. The immune response to COVID-19 can lead to chronic inflammation, which can cause widespread symptoms across multiple organ systems.
A key factor in SARS-CoV-2’s ability to spread throughout the body is its unique spike protein, which disrupts interferon signalling and causes immune damage. This dysregulation not only weakens the immune system but also allows latent viruses to reactivate and cause problems.
As a result, individuals with long COVID are more susceptible to other infections and may experience immune exhaustion. The virus can also lead to hormonal imbalances and reactivation of dormant pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus.
The takeaway from this research is that it’s essential to avoid testing the immune system repeatedly, as each infection can cause further damage. Instead, individuals with a history of COVID-19 should prioritize maintaining a strong immune system through vaccination, healthy lifestyle choices, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to other pathogens.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/beyond-long-covid-1.7485888