Speaking with NBC News, a group of individuals who have survived COVID-19 are now sharing their experiences of battling the virus not once, not twice, but an astonishing five or more times.
Their stories offer valuable insights into the ever-evolving nature of the virus and the profound mental strain these recurrent infections have imposed on their lives.
A Closer Look at COVID Reinfections
Nearly four years after the emergence of COVID-19, reinfection has become increasingly widespread. Some individuals, like Reanna Sunford Clark, a daycare teacher from Portland, Oregon, have endured this harrowing ordeal multiple times, with Clark herself contracting the virus six times.
Dr. Grace McComsey, vice dean for clinical and translational research at Case Western University, highlights the puzzling nature of these reinfections, even in those who have been fully immunized. "Sadly, they were immunized, and they still got COVID five times," she remarked.
Varied Symptoms and Severity
The experiences of these survivors have been far from uniform. Clark's first infection in November 2021 led to an ER visit due to shortness of breath, while subsequent illnesses mostly brought cold-like symptoms that resolved within three or four days.
On the other hand, Brenda Keele of Casper, Wyoming, saw her symptoms worsen with each round of COVID-19. Her fifth infection was particularly severe, causing body aches and trouble breathing. She noted, "It really took a toll on my mental health."
Possible Factors Behind Severe Reinfections
While medical experts acknowledge that each reinfection should be milder than the previous one for most people, there are exceptions. Dr. McComsey estimated that about 20% to 25% of her patients report that their reinfections are more severe.
Several factors could be at play in these severe reinfections. Immunocompromised individuals may experience waning immunity, making them more susceptible to severe bouts of the virus.
Additionally, the presence of long COVID, which is associated with inflammation and blood clots, may increase the likelihood of reinfection.
Alarmingly, a study found that getting reinfected with COVID-19 increased the risk of serious health issues like death, hospitalization, and various medical problems, even if someone had been vaccinated.
The Impact on Mental Health
Kiah Williams, a personal trainer in England, expressed the isolation and loneliness that came with recurrent infections. "Getting sick every other month really took a toll on my mental health," Williams shared.
Makenzie Boyle, a human resources administrator in San Francisco, narrated how she continues to take extensive precautions, including masking and COVID tests for family members, to protect herself after experiencing multiple infections. Her boyfriend even decided to move out to reduce her risk.
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The Bigger Picture
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recorded over 2.7 million COVID-19 reinfections from September 2021 to December 2022.
However, the true extent of reinfections remains uncertain, as some states stopped tracking or never recorded them.
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