This is a good reason to continue to put on the mask in confined and closed places, such as supermarkets or cinemas: according to a study published in the prestigious scientific journal Naturewe learn that each re-infection with Covid increases the risk of medical complications. And importantly: the risk of death is doubled, that of hospitalization is tripled.
The study is based on data from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, namely:
- 443,588 people infected for the first time,
- 40,947 people infected at least twice, between March 2020 and April 6, 2022,
- The data was compared with a control group, made up of 5.3 million people who had never been infected with the coronavirus.
Avoid reinfections
Interesting data from this study: people infected AND vaccinated – who until then were perceived as “super-immune” ultimately would not have additional protection. On the contrary : “Unambiguously, our research has shown that acquiring an infection a second, third or fourth time contributes to additional health risks in the acute phase, i.e. the first 30 days after infection. infection, and in the following months, that is to say the long Covid phase”, Ziyad Al-Aly, lead author of the study, said in a statement. press from the Washington University School of Medicine in the United States.
Thus, being infected with Covid-19 more than once greatly increases the risk of developing lung, heart, kidney or brain problems. With a persistence of risks for six months.
Risks were observed in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, most pronounced at the time of infection, and up to 6 months later. “Even if a person had a previous infection and was vaccinated – i.e. they had dual immunity, they are still susceptible to adverse effects if re-infected,” he further commented. Ziyad Al-Aly.
As pointed out by the authors of the study, these data samples only concern white men, which brings an error bias to the study. To have completely relevant data, it would indeed be necessary to use data reflecting the general population. Also, veterans are generally older with higher than normal health complications. These data should therefore be verified.
To remember : the SARS-CoV-2 virus is far from being fully understood by scientists. What we learn from this study is that vaccination coupled with one or more infections does not constitute a shield against this virus. The more reinfections we accumulate, the more the medical complications increase according to this study. Prevention remains essential. As Public Health France further specified on Friday in its Covid epidemic bulletin, the virus continues to circulate “actively”. And “lBarrier gestures, including wearing a mask, remain essential, in particular to protect people at risk of complications. The follow-up of the other recommended measures also remains necessary in the event of a symptom, a positive test or contact at risk.