Is COVID-19 returning? Actually, it never left. Viruses thrive to survive. They continuously remodel themselves just for survival. Even though mitigation efforts have greatly decreased the incidence of COVID-19, it is on the rise again. We will be in this cycle of high and low for quite some time. Many experts predict it will eventually be a common virus such as the flu.
Individuals with neurological diseases and injuries are at particular risk for the development of COVID-19. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is frequently affected by neurological issues. This is because the ANS governs the response to all body invaders such as bacteria and viruses. The affected ANS may not recognize an invader, may not send an effective response to fight the invader, or may do nothing at all.
Who has an affected ANS and the amount of ANS challenges is difficult to say. There are medical tests to assess the ANS but they are challenging to the body and difficult to perform. In other words, the risks of these tests far outweigh the benefits of having them performed. Therefore, anyone with a neurological issue is considered immunocompromised or high-risk.
Additional conditions can compound your risk of COVID-19 including obesity, respiratory illness (ventilatory dependency, asthma, emphysema), diabetes, immobility, advanced age, and immobility.
Taking care of your health needs is important to your well-being. As an individual with neurological issues, you can receive extra boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine. Each booster is developed to control the current and most frequent variants of the COVID-19 virus. The vaccines are intended to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 and death but may not prevent you from getting it.