Why Covid is still flooring some people

Have you ever pondered what it's like to contract Covid in the current times? This question arose in my mind when a friend of mine was taken aback by the severity of their illness. It was their third encounter with Covid, and it was substantially worse than the previous instances. They expressed their surprise, questioning, 'Isn't each subsequent illness supposed to be a bit less severe? ' This sentiment has been echoed frequently throughout the pandemic. I also have colleagues and acquaintances from school who have been severely affected by Covid in recent months.

A common narrative has been a week of persistent coughing, headaches, or fever, followed by a prolonged period of fatigue. It's crucial to emphasize that Covid has always manifested a wide array of symptoms. Even prior to the advent of vaccines, some fortunate individuals barely fell ill or didn't exhibit any symptoms at all. For some, Covid is merely a sniffle - not even significant enough to prompt a search for a lateral flow test in the bathroom cabinet. However, immunologists warn that Covid is still inducing severe infections that may be worse than before and incapacitate us for weeks.

So, what exactly is transpiring? Our reaction to Covid exposure hinges on the battle between the virus itself and our body's defenses. The initial stages are pivotal as they determine the extent of the virus's foothold in our body and the severity of the ensuing illness. However, diminishing immunity and the evolution of the virus are tipping the balance in favor of the latter. Prof Eleanor Riley, an immunologist at the University of Edinburgh, experienced a 'horrid' bout of Covid that was 'much worse' than anticipated. She informed me that people's antibody levels against Covid are probably as low now as they were when the vaccine was first introduced. Antibodies function like microscopic missiles that adhere to the virus's surface and prevent it from infecting our body's cells. Therefore, if you have a high concentration of antibodies, they can neutralize the virus swiftly, and any ensuing infection will hopefully be brief and mild.