COVID-19 Re-Infections: More Common with the Omicron Variant / COVID-19 Pandemic: Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?

COVID-19 Re-Infections

Authors

  • Antonis S Manolis First Department of Cardiology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
  • Antonis A Manolis Patras University School of Medicine
  • Theodora A Manolis Athens University School of Medicine

Keywords:

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; reinfections; COVID-19 vaccines; variants of concern; Omicron variant

Abstract

A recent surge of COVID-19 reinfections has been ascribed to new variants of concern (VOCs) with increased transmissibility, such as the Omicron variant, but also to laxity in compliance with  measures of prophylaxis, incomplete or lack of vaccination, the Peltzman effect where people tend to increase their risky behavior when safety measures are mandated, weaker antibody responses after booster immunization in some individuals and/or immunocompromised patients, and increased antigen variability in VOCs. The latter impairs humoral and cellular immunity post-infection rendering COVID-19 convalescents more vulnerable and at risk of re-infection with VOCs. Unfortunately, COVID-19 disease is here to stay demanding observance of measures of prophylaxis, expansion of vaccination programs and continued vigilance; there is still a dire need for the development of durably effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 but also against its emerging variants. Rhythmos 2022;17(3): 46-52.

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Published

2022-07-15 — Updated on 2022-07-16

Versions

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2022)

Section

Editorial

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