COVID’S EFFECT ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

🔥 This is an excellent series of graphics from @YaleSPH explaining what we do (and don’t) know about Covid’s effect on the immune system.

Much of this is informed by the work of Dr. Akiko Iwasaki (@VirusesImmunity).

🧵

H/t @fitterhappierAJ Image
This fantastic series of graphics have come from a Facebook post by Yale School of Public Health at the link below:

facebook.com/10006428075591…
Image
LASTING IMPACT

▪️Growing research shows infection with SARS-CoV-2 can create lasting differences in some people's immune systems. Image
THIS LOOKS LIKE...

1. Altered immune system cells which are more inflammatory.

2. Viral reservoirs and fragments which can set off a continuing immune response.

3. Immune dysregulation & chronic inflammation

4. Triggered autoimmune conditions, blood clots & latent viruses Image
▪️5-20% of people develop lingering symptoms or new health conditions after infection, called Long COVID.

▪️As of the CDC's latest count in March 2024, 30% of all American adults who've had COVID have experienced Long COVID. Image
▪️The more COVID-19 vaccine doses you get, the lower the risk of Long COVID.

▪️The more reinfections you have, the higher the risk. Image
172% INCREASED RISK

▪️The risk of developing an autoimmune disease rose by up to 172% after infection, per a study following people from 2020 to 2022.

▪️Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the likelihood of developing an autoimmune condition after infection. Image
OTHER ILLNESSES

▪️SARS-CoV-2 can also activate other viruses that have been lying dormant, like Epstein-Barr and herpes viruses.

▪️Studies have found kids with prior COVID-19 infections had a greater risk of RSV infections. Image
49% OF COVID INFECTIONS ARE ASYMPTOMATIC…

…which means you may not know if you are actually sick.

This is why it's important to take a multilayered approach to protect yourselves & others:

▪️Masks
▪️HEPA air filtration
▪️Good ventilation
▪️Up-to-date vax
▪️Rapid tests Image
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

1. The long-term impact on other illnesses

2. Why some people's conditions persist

3. What diagnostics and therapies can help restore the immune system Image
Link to Facebook post by Yale School of Public Health:



You can also find a link to all the graphics & source citations from the graphics in pdf format below (kindly compiled by Jean Du Pays on Facebook) ⬇️

facebook.com/10006428075591…
pdflink.to/yale-covid-19-…


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More from @_CatintheHat

May 22
“LONG COVID IS FUELLING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN CHILDREN”

🚨Nearly 40% of children with Long COVID reported anxiety or depression; half had no prior diagnosis.

🚨Mental health impact was comparable to that of serious chronic illnesses like cancer.

neurosciencenews.com/long-covid-chi…Image
Meanwhile, more than 500 children a day in England are being referred to NHS mental health services for anxiety, more than DOUBLE the pre-pandemic rate…

…and yet, the impact of repeated COVID infections on children is never even considered as a contributing factor. Image
There are so many studies about the detrimental impact that Covid has on the brain…

…how the brain inflammation can trigger neurological symptoms such as depression & anxiety.

I don’t understand why this is just being ignored by the mainstream media.

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/…Image
Read 4 tweets
May 15
LONG COVID IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

🚨40% of the undergrad students reported brain fog due to COVID-19.

🚨37 % of the undergraduates exhibited impaired cognition up to 17 months post-infection.

🚨Brain fog appeared to affect the distinct prefrontal haemodynamic patterns. Image
This study was conducted by scientists at the University of Otago (NZ) who were looking to investigate the cognitive effects of COVID infection in a population highly representative of young adults: undergraduate university students.

Link to full study:
sciencedirect.com/science/articl…Image
A summary article about this worrying study can also be found here:

“New neuroscience research shows COVID-19 leaves mark on young adult brains” (Feb 2025)

psypost.org/new-neuroscien…Image
Read 4 tweets
Mar 15
Today, in honour of #LongCovidAwarenessDay, I’m sharing a series of short videos from Dr Rae Duncan (@Sunny_Rae1) about the ongoing impact of Long Covid.

1. WHAT IS LONG COVID?

Long Covid is a multi-systemic inflammatory condition that can affect almost every organ of the body.
2. WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPAL MECHANISMS & MANIFESTATIONS OF LONG COVID?

Dr Rae Duncan explains some of the key manifestations of Long Covid, including:

▪️immune-mediated issues

▪️abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system (the nerves which control things like our heart rate).
3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID?

Dr Rae Duncan discusses some of the most prevalent symptoms of Long Covid, such as fatigue and post-exertional malaise.

There are over 200 recognised symptoms of Long Covid though, so each patient may experience different symptoms.
Read 11 tweets
Feb 18
⚠️ IPC GUIDANCE

Newly-appointed Health Minister @AshleyDalton_MP has just responded to a question from MP @_Chris_Coghlan.

Chris asks when the NHS IPC manual will be updated to reflect the latest science on AIRBORNE transmission.

Let’s take a closer look at Ashley’s reply… Image
The key bit is highlighted in yellow here:

“Should new evidence emerge that warrants updates, the guidance will be reviewed & revised accordingly by NHS England & UKHSA to ensure the highest standards of infection prevention & control are maintained across healthcare settings.” Image
Well @AshleyDalton_MP, new evidence HAS emerged.

It’s not even new news as we’ve known about it since 2020!

There’s not a single credible scientist who still denies that Covid is transmitted via the AIRBORNE route.

Please listen to independent expert witness Prof Beggs here ⬇️
Read 27 tweets
Feb 15
I wonder why so many people who’ve had Covid might be suffering with ‘anxiety’ 🤔

Hmmmm, let me think…

Could it be because Covid infections cause brain inflammation which triggers a plethora of neurological symptoms, including depression, anxiety & cognitive dysfunction?
The symptom may be ‘anxiety’ but this can often be the first sign of underlying neurological damage caused by COVID infections.

Patients affected may also be struggling with cognitive dysfunction, memory problems, difficulty concentrating etc.

This video helps explain why ⬇️
Here’s a fascinating post from neuroscientist @DaniBeckman which explains a little more about the damage that COVID can cause within the brain, disrupting neuronal circuits and contributing to neuronal loss. Image
Read 6 tweets
Feb 13
“WHY ARE YOU STILL MASKING?”

The folks at the @TheWHN have put together a really excellent set of science-based answers to various questions about why you’re still wearing a mask.

(Even if you’re not still masking, you might be interested in the answers).

Let’s take a look…🧵 Image
1. “Isn’t the pandemic over?”

Short Answer: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the emergency phase over, but that doesn’t mean the pandemic itself has ended.

(h/t @TheWHN) Image
2. “But you’re not high-risk, so why bother wearing a mask?”

Short Answer: Because preventing transmission matters for everyone, not just people in vulnerable groups.

(h/t @TheWHN) Image
Read 12 tweets

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