Author: Daniel Brouse
COVID Science Updates
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has left an indelible mark on global health, demonstrating not only its immediate threat but also the potential for enduring consequences. This article explores the profound and lasting impact of COVID-19, delving into the virus’s role in chronic conditions and its ability to leave a lasting imprint on various aspects of health.
Long-Term Complications and Excess Deaths
A COVID-19 infection often leads to persistent complications that significantly diminish both the quality of life and life expectancy. Shockingly, 10% of excess deaths can be directly attributed to COVID itself, while the remaining 90% are attributed to what can be considered COVID’s silent killers. Individuals who have experienced COVID may face a diminished quality of life and an increased risk of premature death. Dr. Rob Wust underscores this by stating, “There is something inside the body going wrong with the disease.”
Long-COVID: A Looming Reality
For those who have contracted COVID, the probability of developing chronic conditions, known as Long-COVID, is a staggering 99%. This alarming statistic underscores the pervasive and lasting impact of the virus on an individual’s health.
Key Insights into COVID-19’s Long-Term Effects
- Direct Impact on Organs:
- COVID-19 has been responsible for millions of deaths and has caused long-term damage to vital organs, leaving many survivors permanently disabled.
- Persistent Viral Presence:
- SARS-CoV-2 can persist in the body for months or even years, causing chronic infections and leaving behind viral proteins associated with Long-COVID. This persistence is comparable to other viruses like Chicken Pox leading to Shingles or Epstein-Barr virus contributing to Mononucleosis and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Compromised Immune System and Autoimmune Risks:
- Post-COVID individuals often experience a compromised immune system and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Local immune responses may be disturbed by both mental and physical exertion in long-COVID patients.
- Genetic and Epigenetic Changes:
- SARS-CoV-2 induces genetic and epigenetic alterations to DNA, resulting in a compromised immune system, elevated risks of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and damage to neurological, circulatory, and cardiovascular systems. Predisposed conditions are likely to escalate to more advanced stages.
- Complexity of Long-COVID:
- Long-COVID is likely a multifaceted condition involving persistent virus presence, residual viral proteins, and lasting epigenetic and genetic changes, potentially lasting indefinitely.
- Increased Risks with Reinfection:
- Reinfection with COVID amplifies the risks of death, hospitalization, and multi-organ damage, exacerbating underlying conditions across various bodily systems.
Understanding the epigenetic changes induced by COVID, including the downregulation of NAD+ and the impact on tryptophan, sheds light on the physical and mental health challenges faced by individuals. The deficiency in niacin, zinc, and vitamin D is a common consequence. It is crucial to recognize that COVID’s epigenetic changes may vary widely based on an individual’s genetic makeup, requiring tailored treatments for optimal outcomes.