According to multiple studies, the risk of long COVID may not stay low even with seemingly mild cases of the coronavirus. Each subsequent COVID infection increases the likelihood of developing chronic health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, organ failure, and mental health problems. These findings highlight the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to reduce the risk of long-term consequences.

Long COVID, a multisystem disease with potentially lifelong consequences, affects varying percentages of individuals who have contracted SARS-CoV-2. Estimates suggest that globally, around 65 million people now suffer from long COVID, although children appear to be impacted at lower rates.

A recent study conducted by epidemiologist Benjamin Bowe and colleagues followed 138,818 US veterans with SAR-CoV-2 infections over a span of two years. The data revealed that reinfection increased the risk of long COVID in multiple organ systems. The study emphasizes the cumulative nature of long COVID, with adverse health effects worsening with each infection.

Another study analyzed data from 1.5 million people in the US and compared the severity of initial and subsequent infections. It also observed an increase in long COVID after reinfections with the variants following Delta and Omicron. However, the exact causes of this increase and whether it is due to reinfection in general or specific changes in newer SARS-CoV-2 strains remain unclear.

It is important to note that these studies are limited in number and generalizability. However, they contribute to the growing body of evidence that highlights the association between COVID-19 reinfection and the reporting of long-term symptoms.

One factor that contributes to the risk of long COVID is the impact of the virus on our immune systems. SARS-CoV-2 targets and depletes memory T cells, which are crucial for long-term immunity. This depletion of T cells may have long-term consequences and potentially contribute to more severe and frequent outbreaks of other diseases such as pneumonia and RSV.

With the holiday season approaching, many countries, including the US, are experiencing large new surges of COVID infections, as indicated by wastewater testing. This surge provides a fertile ground for the virus to mutate and test different gene mutations. The emergence of the JN.1 strain, also known as Pirola, with a single mutation that makes it harder for our immune systems to combat, poses a new challenge for past vaccines and prior infections.

In response to the cumulative nature of long COVID, clinicians, scientists, disability advocates, and journalists have signed an open letter to US President Biden, urging for more support for individuals facing this condition. The letter emphasizes the need for further research, resources, and intervention strategies to address the long-term effects of COVID-19.

As the understanding of long COVID evolves, it is crucial to prioritize vaccination, preventive measures, and ongoing monitoring of individuals to mitigate the risk of long-term health consequences.