Can Vaccinations Protect You From Long COVID?
The battle against the COVID-19 pandemic has been long and full of unexpected events. Some of them, including the success and rapid delivery of the vaccine, have been positive. Others haven’t been so bright, such as the discovery that children can carry COVID asymptomatically (without symptoms). This battle is still ongoing, and we’re learning more about the disease every day. One such discovery is that of a condition known as Long COVID. Those who develop this condition will continue to experience symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection passes. This has brought into question whether or not the vaccine is an effective defense against developing Long COVID symptoms.
Can Vaccinations Protect You From Long COVID?
It appears to be a trend that answers related to this disease aren’t exactly clear-cut. When scientists first discovered the variants, there was worry that they would be worse than the original. It turned out that the answer was both yes and no. The transmission rates of the variants tended to be higher, with some seeming to be less affected by the vaccine. However, those variants that showed higher transmission rates tended to develop less severe symptoms than the original strain. Fears over children’s health determined that their survival rates were higher, but they could carry the disease without showing symptoms.
When it comes to the effect of vaccines on Long COVID, the situation is much the same. There is no indication that vaccines will protect you from developing Long COVID. However, Long COVID tends to appear more frequently in those who had more severe cases of COVID. Vaccines have been revealed to reduce the risk of developing COVID and limit the severity in those who have them. As a result, vaccines can indirectly reduce the risk of Long COVID. While this seems like splitting hairs, the distinction is important. Further research is being done into new versions of the vaccine. One focus of this ongoing research is to determine if it’s possible to develop a vaccine that directly reduces instances of Long COVID.
Current studies show that it’s unlikely that Long COVID will ever be able to be completely prevented by vaccines. However, they can reduce the rate at which COVID spreads and better prepare the body to fight it. It’s also important that those who develop the condition get on antivirals. Early adoption of antivirals can reduce how high the virus population will get in the patient. Virus levels have been shown to directly impact the development of Long COVID, with higher populations increasing the risk.
Contact Your Doctor To Discuss Antivirals and Long COVID
You must speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated if you aren’t already. Keeping up with the vaccinations, including any available boosters, is the best way to protect you and your family. The most effective method of preventing Long COVID remains not catching COVID in the first place. Reach out to your physician and get your vaccines up to date today!
