A recent observational study conducted by Canadian researchers has found that COVID vaccination after long COVID, also known as post-COVID condition (PCC), is linked to fewer symptoms, increased well-being, and reduced inflammation. The study, which focused on participants in Montreal, was published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Long COVID is a significant public health concern as a substantial number of COVID-19 patients, ranging from 10% to 30% for non-hospitalized cases and 50% to 70% for hospitalized cases, experience a variety of symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks after the initial infection.
While the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing severe disease and hospitalization is well-established, the impact of vaccination on patients with PCC remains less understood. In this study, 83 participants who had previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosed with PCC before receiving the COVID vaccine were followed for up to 24 months.
The study enrolled participants between February 12 and September 8, 2021. At the beginning of the study, 44 participants had not yet received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the remaining 39 had already received one or two doses.
The most common symptoms reported by participants at the start of the study included fatigue (81.9%), difficulty with concentration (47.0%), memory issues (39.8%), headaches (32.5%), and shortness of breath at rest (31.3%) during all follow-ups.
Following vaccination, a significant number of participants reported improved well-being scores (77.8%), fewer PCC symptoms (86%), and reduced levels of systemic inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The study observed a decrease in sixteen inflammatory proteins in the blood samples of vaccinated participants, indicating that the vaccines were able to mitigate inflammation.
The authors emphasized the importance of these findings, as high levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines have been associated with more severe cases of acute COVID-19 and poorer prognosis. The study concluded that COVID vaccination resulted in a significant reduction in systemic inflammation, regardless of the number of vaccine doses received.
This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of COVID vaccination for individuals with long COVID, demonstrating that it may alleviate symptoms, improve well-being, and reduce inflammation. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to explore the long-term benefits of vaccination in this population.
Sources:
– International Journal of Infectious Diseases
