Recently, quite a few netizens have shared that they have tested positive for the virus three times. At the same time, cases of the COVID-19 variant EG.5 are on the rise in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization has listed it as a “Variant of Interest”.

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It’s been less than three months since the small peak of “second positives”. Has the “third positive” really arrived? Why have some people tested positive again so quickly? Does repeated infection cause greater harm to the body?

 

“Compared to the first positive, the symptoms are much lighter this time. However, these two groups of people need to pay special attention.

 

On August 21, Dr. Guo Yongming, a physician from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Fujian Provincial Geriatric Hospital, shared in the “Shared Doctor” live broadcast room, “Based on recent clinical admissions, most of them felt uncomfortable after returning from a trip, or thought it was a cold. After testing, it was found to be COVID-19 positive. Overall, compared to the “First Positive”, the symptoms are much lighter.”

 

“Shared Doctor” Live Broadcast

 

The new variant EG.5 belongs to the Omicron sub-variant, and in principle, it still belongs to the Omicron strain.

 

Characteristics: Stronger transmission, immune escape phenomenon, milder symptoms.

 

Main symptoms after infection: Upper respiratory infection and fever, such as sore throat and nasal congestion; but it does not exhibit severe symptoms like the “blade-like” throat and “cement-sealed” nose experienced during the “Second Positive” phase. Relatively speaking, the symptoms are much milder.

 

However, as we approach the autumn and winter flu season, there will be a cumulative effect on the condition. These two groups still need to strengthen their protection to prevent infection or worsening of the condition:

 

1. Individuals who have not experienced the “Second Positive” phase

Those who did not test positive during the second wave of the pandemic in May and June, as the antibodies acquired from the first wave of the pandemic have significantly diminished.

 

2. Populations with weakened Immunity

This includes individuals with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Additionally, populations with weaker immunity, such as the elderly and infants, should get vaccinated in a timely manner, including both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine.

 

Why do some people test positive for the third time so quickly after the second positive?

 

Under normal circumstances, the antibodies in our body can protect us for 6 months after a COVID-19 infection.

 

But why did some people test positive again in less than 6 months? There are mainly two reasons:

 

1. The infection is from a new strain of COVID-19, EG.5, which exhibits immune escape phenomena, leading to reinfection.

 

2. During the previous “Second Positive” infection, they did not fully recover and were in a “Long COVID” state. With lowered immunity, this provided an opportunity for the virus, making them susceptible to reinfection.

 

Additionally, many people have reported that their physical condition deteriorates after recovering from COVID-19. Even a minor cold can lead to a prolonged cough. How can this be alleviated?

 

Dr. Guo explained that clinically, this is known as “chronic airway inflammation”. It’s akin to the skin and mucous membranes not being fully healed. When exposed to external stimuli, they exhibit a heightened response, such as coughing or worsening asthma.

 

It is recommended to visit a hospital for inflammation level testing. Different management strategies, such as the inhalation of corticosteroids, will be implemented based on the specific type of inflammation.

 

Additionally, you can also consider a comprehensive approach that includes traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional support, and adjustments to your daily routine. Ensuring sufficient sleep and nutrition can help to improve your overall physical condition and boost your immune system.

 

Repeated infections of COVID-19 indicate a weakened immune system. To enhance immunity, Reishi mushroom can provide support.

 

The virus has never disappeared. However, no matter how it changes, “boosting immunity” remains the key to preventing infection and severe illness.

 

How can we boost our immunity? It lies in the daily reinforcement of our body, including balanced nutrition, physical exercise, regular routines, and careful nursing with traditional Chinese medicine. The concept of “reinforcing healthy qi and securing the root” in traditional Chinese medicine, as exemplified by Reishi, is greatly beneficial for enhancing immunity.

 

 

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many friends reported that they were perhaps protected from infection and severe illness due to the effects of Reishi. This allowed us to truly appreciate the unique benefits of Reishi in enhancing immunity.

 

The book Lingzhi: From Mystery to Science also mentions the effects of Reishi in resisting viral infections and enhancing immunity:

 

Pharmacological research results have proven that Reishi can enhance the body’s non-specific immune functions, such as promoting the proliferation, differentiation, and function of dendritic cells, enhancing the phagocytic function of macrophages and natural killer cells, and directly killing bacteria and viruses that invade the human body.

 

Reishi can also enhance humoral immunity and cellular immune functions, such as promoting the production of immunoglobulins, increasing the proliferation response of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, and promoting the production of cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and interferon Y. Therefore, it further enhances the body’s ability to resist bacterial and viral infections. (Excerpt from page 42 of Lingzhi: From Mystery to Science by Lin Zhibin)

 

In 2021, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a study by scholars from the Academia Sinica in Taiwan. The study demonstrated that Reishi polysaccharides (RF3) have significant antiviral effects in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, and are non-toxic. This provides a theoretical basis for the “expelling of pathogens” by Reishi polysaccharides in the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

 

Today, the correct attitude towards the COVID-19 virus should be to face it and take it seriously, but not to worry excessively about it. At the same time, we must realize that enhancing immunity is a long-term and important task. With the protection of vaccines, balanced nutrition, regular routines, and a healthy lifestyle, adding Reishi to our daily care without interruption can lead to lifelong health.