COVID Shedding Over Time

Reference Article Linked Here.

Moving forward, we can expect COVID to affect us in waves as it continues to mutate. A significant question is how long COVID may lve within us, even if we aren’t able to infect others. This idea of long -term COVID infections could be related to the presence of Long COVID in some. Importantly, COVID is generally cleared completely in most people within 7 days to 2 weeks.

This means that there no longer are virus particles to detect. The antibodies (our immune system’s ammunition used to fight the disease) will continue to exist and to be on alert for new viruses that are substantially similar to the one that infected us. But the actual viral particles are no where to be found. 

We know that the virus can be detected in eye tissue, the brain, the appendix and in stool. And its stool that gives the most interesting results. Actual COVIN RNA particles are detected in stool for some infected individuals (4%) for up to 7 months. That’s a long time. Again, these folks aren’t infectious to others.

However, it is possible that the presence of the virus could continue to activate the immune system. Keep in mind that the largest presence of immune tissue and immune cells are found in the gut.

For individuals who have a tendency for autoimmune disease or immune system overactivity like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, the presence of residual COVID could contribute to ongoing symptoms system wide. For individuals with already leaky guts, exiting food sensitivities, significant unaccommodated stress, or deficiencies in gut-protective molecules or bacteria, residual COVID might more easily trigger immune system reactions. 

We see time and again the importance of gut health. The health of the gut can’t be separated from immune system reactivity and brain health. Bottomline: Be especially aware of gut health as a way to prevent possible long COVID.

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