Article content
Most people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus recover within a year, a new McMaster University study has found.
Article content
While 75% had recovered within 12 months of contracting the virus, 25% of patients still had symptoms of cough, fatigue and shortness of breath.
The researchers say patients with persistent symptoms had antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases.
The study looked at 106 people recovering from COVID-19 infections at three, six and 12 months after contracting the virus.
All patients were healthy and had no pre-existing autoimmune conditions or other underlying diseases before the pandemic.
“In general, one should not worry if they feel unwell immediately after infection, as the chances of recovery within 12 months are very high, and just because you have the typical long symptoms of COVID at three months does not mean that they will remain forever,” said senior author Manali Mukherjee, an assistant professor of medicine at McMaster.
Article content
“However, the study highlights that after 12 months, if you are still feeling unwell and symptoms persist or worsen, you should definitely seek medical attention.”
Mukherjee said patients with persistent symptoms of COVID should see a rheumatologist who specializes in autoimmune diseases.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Sorry, but this video failed to load.
Play video
She says most patients with prolonged COVID are currently being evaluated by respirologists or infectious disease specialists who don’t specialize in autoimmunity.
Mukherjee said that in patients who recovered, the reduction in autoantibodies and cytokines was accompanied by an improvement in their symptoms.
“Sometimes, while the body is fighting the virus, the immune system is boosted to such an extent that in addition to producing antibodies that kill the virus, it can produce antibodies that attack the host,” Mukherjee said.
“However, the body’s general tendency after fighting a severe virus like SARS-CoV-2 is to recover, and it is often delayed, varying from individual to individual.”
Mukherjee conducted the study in collaboration with researchers at the University of British Columbia.
Add Comment