Even though the cases of corona seem to be under control globally these days, the risk of infection has not yet been reduced. Researchers have warned that mutations are being seen in the coronavirus from time to time, due to which the threat of new variants remains constant. New variants are seen to easily dodge the body's immune system, so there is a need to be constantly cautious about its prevention.
In studies, researchers have also been advising to take the annual COVID-19 vaccine like influenza to prevent corona. Taking a big step in this direction, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised all people six months or older in the US to take the updated COVID-19 vaccine in recent guidelines. This recommendation has been made at a time when many parts of the country are seeing a surge in corona cases again during the summer. According to recent information, at least 39 states are seeing an increase in corona infection.
Amidst the ongoing risks of corona, you need to know two big things about the vaccine.
First - Advice to get updated covid vaccine
In a report published in The New York Times, the CDC said, that most Americans have acquired immunity against the coronavirus from repeated infection or vaccination, or both. However, studies have shown that vaccines are effective only for a few months and their effectiveness decreases over time. To reduce this risk, all people need to get updated COVID shots.
What do experts say?
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen has accepted the unanimous advice of scientists and recommended another dose of vaccination. Carol Hayes, an official at the American College of Nurse-Midwives, said, the general public is not able to understand how much this virus has changed. We need a new vaccine to protect against this year's virus strain.
The updated vaccine by Novavax is better at targeting JN.1, which has been the most affecting variant for the last several months. The updated vaccine by Pfizer and Moderna is better at targeting the KP.2 strain of the virus.
Second - A big disclosure in the study regarding vaccination
Meanwhile, in a recent study on vaccination, scientists said that vaccines can not only help reduce the risks of corona, but they can also help in reducing the risk of serious problems caused by COVID-19 infection.
The researchers said, about 10 to 30% of people have experienced some kind of cognitive impairment due to the virus. Due to infection, people are experiencing problems in concentrating, brain fog, or memory loss. Vaccination can also help protect against these risks.
Vaccination can reduce cognitive risk
A study was conducted to find out the mechanism behind the problems in the brain due to coronavirus infection. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine found that people who were vaccinated before infection had a lower risk of such infections than those who were not vaccinated.
The study, published in Nature Immunology, reported that a promising link was found between vaccination and cognitive problems such as memory loss.
(PC: ISTOCK)
