How COVID-19 changes the immune system

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Getting sick all the time? Don't (necessarily) blame COVID-19 By Jamie Ducharme Health Correspondent Over the last few months, I’ve seen the same thing pop up over and over on social media: people feel like they’re getting sick more often than they did before the pandemic, and many of them don’t think the timing is a coincidence. They blame COVID-19 for changing their immune systems. It’s not such a far-fetched idea. There are studies that show scary-sounding immune-system changes after a case of COVID-19, and other viruses—like measles and HIV—are known to cause long-lasting immune damage. Could SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, do the same? So far, experts told me, the evidence suggests the answer is no. The virus can leave a stamp on the immune system, particularly after severe cases, but not in a way that suggests widespread immunodeficiency. All those extra illnesses people are reporting could be due to increased awareness of respiratory disease, exposure to different viral strains than those that circulated before the pandemic, or just plain bad luck. But, comfortingly, none of the experts I interviewed thought COVID-related damage was the culprit. READ THE REST Share This Story

What Else to Read The Updated COVID-19 Shot Works on the Newest Variants By Alice Park A new study shows that the XBB vaccine can protect against several emerging variants. Read More » White House Delays Menthol Cigarette Ban, Alarming Anti-Smoking Advocates By Matthew Perrone/AP Anti-tobacco groups fear the unexpected delay could scuttle the long-awaited plan to ban menthol cigarettes. Read More » The War on Drugs Has Always Been Bipartisan—And Unwinnable By Matthew D. Lassiter / Made by History Politicians in both U.S. parties keep doubling down on trying to cut off supply and punish "pushers." Read More » An Ode to the Single Life By Bella DePaulo "Living single is a life path that can be just as joyful and fulfilling as any other," writes Bella DePaulo. Read More » Your Houseplants Have Some Powerful Health Benefits By Angela Haupt The perks can include sharpened attention, more productivity, reduced stress and anxiety, and a happier outlook. Read More »

AN EXPERT VOICE "The whole Instagram influencer phase where it was very much about comparing yourself to others...was probably some of the most toxic stuff online, with the pressures of performing social identity on there. I think that's one reason why [young people] gravitate toward TikTok. There's some other toxicity over there, but it's different." —Jennifer Grygiel, associate professor of communications at Syracuse University

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