TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Corona virus infection can cause long-term and short-term symptoms. Short-term symptoms may last for 15 days or more, while long-term symptoms or long Covid It usually appears after 90 days of the initial infection period and persists for weeks or months.
Long Covid usually appears in people who suffer from certain health conditions or impaired immunity so that they are susceptible to infection Covid-19 prolonged. According to research published in the journal Cell, four factors can increase the risk of long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms.
1. Viral load
Viral load refers to the amount of virus present in the blood of an infected person. It is demonstrated in the RT-PCR test, which is the gold standard test for confirmation of Covid-19. A higher viral load means more virus in the blood and a higher chance of developing a severe infection. A high viral load also means you are more likely to pass the virus on to others around you.
2. There are certain autoantibodies
Autoantibodies are antibodies that are made by a person’s own body. These autoantibodies can either directly destroy the cells that contain the substance or can make it easier for other white blood cells to destroy them.
According to research, self-attacking autoantibodies can lead to severe infections and may even increase the risk of prolonged COVID-19. There are several theories to explain how autoimmunity might arise from infection. However, more research is needed on this issue before reaching a conclusion.
3. Reactivation of other viruses
Two small studies have revealed that infection can lead to reactivation of other viruses that can lead to long-lasting and severe coronavirus symptoms. Another virus is called the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a type of herpes virus that can cause glandular fever. Symptoms of this viral infection are very similar to the symptoms of long Covid-19. Patients who have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus at a young age are more susceptible to reactivation of this virus due to Covid-19 infection.
4. Diabetes type 2
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that cannot be treated. This lifelong condition can only be managed by making lifestyle changes and taking medication on time.
Unmanaged high blood sugar levels can lead to other health conditions and affect other organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart and nerves. Being diagnosed with diabetes for a long time can reduce the system’s immune response. These factors make diabetics more susceptible to long and severe COVID-19.
No one can predict whether they will suffer from long Covid or not. The thing that can be done is to follow the protocol virus corona such as wearing masks, maintaining cleanliness and avoiding crowded places. Do not forget to vaccinate to reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalization.
TIMES OF INDIA
Also read: 4 Tips for Protecting Yourself in the Midst of the Spike in Covid-19 Cases
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