Category Archives: Information

Covid-19 Affects Heart, Other Organs Covid-19 is not just a respiratory virus. The virus affects many organs, including the heart, said Dr. Eric Topol during a recent NHLBI webinar series called “Covid-19 Insights.”

Nervous system consequences of COVID-19 Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is considered a respiratory pathogen, myriad neurologic complications – including confusion, stroke, and neuromuscular disorders – manifest during acute COVID-19.

Helpful ways to strengthen your immune system and fight off disease How can you improve your immune system? On the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. But sometimes it fails: A germ invades successfully and makes you sick.

How Do Chemo and Radiation Affect the Immune System? Chemotherapy and radiation are two of the most common and effective treatments for cancer, but they can weaken your immune system for months after treatment. That makes you vulnerable to illness and infection.

What is an immunodeficiency disorder? Immunodeficiency disorders disrupt your body’s ability to defend itself against bacteria, viruses, and parasites. There are two types of immunodeficiency disorders: those you are born with (primary), and those that are acquired (secondary). Anything that weakens your immune system can lead to a secondary immunodeficiency disorder.

WHO is tracking omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants as they spread through Africa and Europe Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are circulating at low levels in several countries within Southern Africa and Europe, according to the World Health Organization.

Natural immunity to COVID has its limits Quite a few people have been talking recently about natural immunity. They have heard that once you get infected with COVID-19, you have antibodies that should protect you against future infections. This is true, up to a point. But what is often neglected is that with infections, much […]

The new Omicron subvariant BA.2: what we know so far The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant of concern has spread rapidly since its emergence in late 2021. Presently, an Omicron subvariant known as BA.2, first identified in late 2021, has made headlines due to its rapid spread.

Herd immunity now seems impossible The virus is now embedded in our world. But there are steps we can take to keep it at bay while we continue to live our lives. I wish I had known that a safe and effective vaccine against severe disease and death from Covid-19 would arrive within a year […]

Fatigue after Covid is more than just feeling tired Fatigue is more than being worn out or sleepy. It’s an excessive tiredness that persists despite resting or good sleep. It’s likely a result of our body’s strong immune response to the virus. But in some people the fatigue drags on even when the infection is […]