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Despite our best efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic continues. At this time, we should probably consider changing the name to COVID-21. With the rise of the delta variant and the surge of cases across the US, many concerned patients with Post COVID Syndrome (PCS) have come to us with questions. The most common questions have been:
- If I get reinfected, will it make my already prolonged symptoms worse?
- Am I more immune to delta due to my Post COVID Syndrome?
- Can you get Post COVID Syndrome with the delta variant?
- Should I get vaccinated? Should I get the booster?
At this time, it is too early to tell what the delta variant could do to someone who is experiencing Post COVID Syndrome. We also do not know if the delta variant can cause PCS. Fortunately, at Mayo Clinic we have not seen many patients with PCS who have become reinfected. And with any luck, we hope that such situations will continue to be rare.
As for immunity, while the PCS may be linked to an overactive immune system, there is no indication that PCS makes someone less likely to be infected with COVID again. Due to the prolonged deconditioning, stress, poor sleep, and poor nutrition often seen in patients with PCS, patients could possibly be more at risk of infection.
Finally, there is the question regarding vaccination. Without a doubt, there is risk from the vaccine, just like there is risk from any medical intervention. We have seen firsthand some of the adverse reactions reported in the media and in support groups, and we fully understand the concerns of patients. However, there is also risk from infection with COVID-19. There is risk of pain and suffering. Risk of prolonged symptoms for months. And the risk of death. The risk from COVID-19 far outweighs the risk of the vaccine. Without any hesitancy, we recommend vaccination and boosters.
The best way to prevent Post COVID Syndrome is to not have a COVID-19 infection. Get vaccinated.
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The shot doesn't protect you from getting covid19, it supposed to lessen the symptoms.
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2 ReactionsFor many people, it does prevent getting the virus. My daughter has been repeatedly exposed in her job as a high school nurse, and has tested negative after every close exposure. Unvaccinated teachers and staff, on the other hand, have tested positive after exposure to the same kids, and some have become quite ill.
If you do get a "breakthrough" case - infection in spite of vaccination - you are correct, it generally does lessen the symptoms. That is why 90% plus of hospitalized Covid patients are unvaccinated.
Sue
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3 Reactions@sueinmn. I read a good explanation of this today. If you’re vaccinated and have one relatively brief exposure you probably will not get Covid, but multiple exposures or long exposures will saturate your antibodies until the virus can take hold. It was a much better explanation than what I said here, but that was the gist of it, and that makes sense to me.
JK
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1 ReactionThis is a concept we have known for a long time with colds and flu. It's why parents of runny-nosed toddlers, constantly wiping noses and being climbed/breathed on catch so many colds.
It was reported in early days of the Covid pandemic as well. It is why masks, distancing and hand hygiene were quite effective even before the vaccine.
BUT...the Delta variation has changed the equation somewhat because infected people with it shed from 2 to 10 times as much virus as people with earlier variants. And the vaccine-induced antibodies may not be as effective against Delta particles.
So timewise, less exposure is needed to get infected. This is why even those of us who are vaccinated are being asked to take precautions again.
Stay safe everyone! Sue
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3 ReactionsI have Covid Delta Variant for 6 weeks now. I’m at end stage of covid/ covid lingering symptoms: fatigue is the worst, chest tightness, shortness of breath, heart beats quick, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness from sit to standing or move too quickly. These are my main symptoms. I’m getting better slowly.
Worried and anxious about why I’m still sick not better yet.
I’m fully vaccinated since Feb’2021. Never had covid prior.
Good morning, and welcome to Mayo Connect. You may want to click over to this discussion, where you can read and share information with others who are experiencing long term Covid symptoms. This is the best way to Connect with others like yourself.https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/post-covid-recovery-covid-19/
If the posts do not answer your questions, there is also a post-Covid clinic at Mayo that you can read about: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rehabilitation-after-covid-19/
And there is a network call Survivor Corps (https://www.survivorcorps.com/) that might help you find help near you.
Sue
I’m having some of the same symptoms.
Hi Fab, you may wish to join others recovering from COVID-19 in this support group:
- Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/post-covid-recovery-covid-19/
I had Covid in May and June of 2022. I already did the one and done vaccine. After being sick I felt a little bit better but never fully. In Oct. I went and received a booster as instructed to do. Now since the beginning of Dec. going on a month now I have had Digestion issues from vomiting so bad I can't even keep water down. To not having a bowel movement in a month and sometimes I feel like there is no hope. No medicine is helping and I can't get any answers on what is wrong with me. I can't work I am so sick and I have lost my job and about to loose my home. Where is the help for people who really need the help.? I am going out of my mind.
Hello billie6977,
Sorry to hear of the continuing
turmoil you are experiencing. My hope is your physician by further testing will find the reasons for your discomfort and pain.
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