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Canadian Health Service Finds Repeated Covid Infections Damages Blood System, Causes Long Covid [1]

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Date: 2023-12-15  

The national health care system of Canada has just published data indicating that nearly one-third of individuals reporting three or more COVID-19 infections also experience long-COVID symptoms. This aligns with scientific understanding that SARS-CoV-2, unlike other respiratory viruses, specifically targets the endothelium of tiny blood vessels critical to the function of vital organs like the brain, lungs, and heart. These organs rely on a delicate network of capillaries for oxygen and nutrients, and COVID-19’s unique ability to damage this microvasculature leads to the range of symptoms known as long-COVID, such as shortness of breath and “brain fog.”

Repeated COVID-19 infections compound the damage to the microvasculature, increasing the likelihood of long-COVID symptoms. Research by Kuang et al. confirms this, with one-third of those infected multiple times reporting long-COVID. Unfortunately, over 40% of these patients see no improvement after a year, reflecting the current lack of effective treatments for the autoimmune microvascular damage caused by the virus. The body’s limited capacity for self-repair means many may not recover quickly, if at all, which is consistent with the extensive scientific knowledge about COVID-19’s impact on the body.

The Canadian study further emphasizes the long-term damage caused by COVID-19, which is not seen with common colds or flu. It highlights that repeated COVID-19 infections lead to cumulative damage that is slow to heal, if it heals at all. The study acknowledges limitations, including the possibility that the timing and circumstances of infections could influence the extent of long-term damage. For example, those vaccinated may experience less severe effects compared to those who were infected before vaccines were available.

The research aligns with findings from Prof. Al-Aly’s group at Wash U, reinforcing that COVID-19 can cause organ damage that may be irreversible. The best strategy to minimize permanent damage is to reduce the number of infections by following public health measures like masking, making strategic choices about social interactions, and getting vaccinated. The pursuit of effective treatments for COVID-19’s vascular effects continues, but until then, the focus remains on prevention and protection to lower the risk of long-term health issues. Society may be moving on from COVID-19, but the virus’s impact persists, and it’s crucial to remain vigilant in reducing exposure and protecting oneself from potential permanent damage. Keep trying to avoid COVID-19 and protect yourself as best as you can, for as long as necessary.

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