Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Isabella Cueto
Published on 2024-03-04 22:00:19
A recent large study conducted in South Korea and Japan has revealed that individuals who have had Covid-19 are at an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in the year following infection. The study utilized the medical records of 10 million Korean and 12 million Japanese adults to investigate the correlation between Covid-19 infection and autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren syndrome, among others.
The researchers found that individuals who had contracted Covid-19 had a 25% higher risk of AIRD compared to the general population. Additionally, those who had Covid-19 were about 30% more likely to develop AIRD compared to individuals who had influenza during the same period. The severity of the Covid-19 infection was also a determining factor, with more severe cases associated with a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
However, the study also discovered that vaccination against Covid-19, whether through mRNA or viral vector shots, helped reduce the risk of developing new autoimmune diseases. While the exact reduction in risk was not specified in the study, the researchers noted that the risk returned to normal levels after one year in the Covid-19 group.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the long-term consequences of Covid-19 and the impact of vaccination on autoimmune disease development. It is particularly significant as it adds to the evidence that Covid-19 is more severe than the flu and highlights the importance of preventing infections in the first place.
Lead author Min Seo Kim suggested that the decline in AIRDs risk after one year may indicate a decrease in autoimmunity over time post-Covid infection. The study also compared data from the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Delta variant, indicating that earlier, more aggressive variants may have more damaging effects on the body.
While some experts have raised concerns about the validity of the AIRDs cases reported in the study and have called for further research, the study provides valuable information on the relationship between Covid-19, vaccination, and autoimmune diseases. It highlights the need for continued monitoring and research into the long-term effects of Covid-19 on individuals’ health.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases following Covid-19 infection. It also emphasizes the need for further research to understand the long-term consequences of the virus and to develop effective treatments for rising rates of autoimmune diseases worldwide. By leveraging detailed health datasets and exploring underrepresented populations, researchers can continue to shed light on the impact of Covid-19 and vaccination on autoimmune health.
