As COVID-19 continues to perplex many, a common question arises: What’s it like to catch COVID now? This query gained relevance after a friend’s unexpectedly severe third bout with the virus. Contrary to popular belief, subsequent infections are not always milder.
During the pandemic, we’ve heard numerous accounts of COVID’s varying impacts. Some experience minor symptoms like a cough or fever, followed by fatigue. However, recent trends suggest a harsher reality for many.
COVID’s symptom range has always been broad, but recent observations indicate more severe infections. Immunologists warn of a concerning shift, with some cases being significantly worse than before.
The severity of a COVID infection hinges on the early battle between the virus and our immune defenses. Unfortunately, diminished immunity and the virus’s evolution are altering this balance.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, Professor Eleanor Riley, an immunologist from the University of Edinburgh, described her own COVID experience as unexpectedly harsh. She highlights the current low antibody levels against the virus, a stark contrast to the post-vaccination peak.
Antibodies, our microscopic defenders, are now less prevalent, leading to more severe infections. This decline is attributed to the time elapsed since vaccinations and previous infections, which boost immunity.
Professor Peter Openshaw of Imperial College London reminisces about the significant impact of the rapid vaccine rollout. This year, however, vaccine offerings have narrowed, potentially leading to more severe illnesses, even in young, healthy individuals.
Openshaw, not one to dramatize, acknowledges the risk of severe illness, including long-term COVID, in those uninfected in the past year. The UK government’s current vaccination strategy targets those at highest risk of hospitalization, easing NHS pressures. However, this leaves many under 65 vulnerable to severe illness.
COVID-19’s evolving nature complicates matters further. As the virus changes, so does its recognizability for antibodies. Current strains, such as Omicron variants, differ significantly from the original virus, reducing immunity.
Feeling worse with COVID now might be due to this combination of waning immunity and viral evolution. Nonetheless, T-cells, another crucial immune component, protect against severe illness by targeting infected cells. While effective, this process can cause symptoms like muscle pain and fever.
As COVID evolves, the hope of it becoming a milder infection remains uncertain. Repeated infections may eventually build natural immunity, mirroring the trajectory of other human coronaviruses. Until then, we might face a challenging winter.
