The recent study from Japan suggesting a link between repeated Covid-19 infections and cardiac incidents has raised concerns, emphasizing the need for further research. Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, the head of Maharashtra’s Covid taskforce and former ICMR epidemiology and communicable diseases head, stressed the importance of not underestimating any infection. While acknowledging the significance of the Japan study, he urged caution and emphasized the need for extensive discussions in scientific circles.
Dr. Gangakhedkar cautioned that a higher number of SARS-CoV-2 infections could increase the likelihood of post-Covid incidents. Referring to similar studies in the US that showed tissue damage in infected individuals, he highlighted the need for more research to establish a direct link between infection and heart failure in the Japan study.
The study by Japan’s Riken Institute, published in iScience, expressed concern about the potential risk of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to heart failure.
Although conclusive clinical evidence is yet to be reported, the study recommended validating the possibility through a three-dimensional human cardiac tissue model to raise awareness of a global healthcare risk.
Dr. Gangakhedkar emphasized the crucial takeaway from these studies: no infection should be taken lightly, even if it involves a variant perceived as “mild.” With concerns about potential increases in Covid cases following events like New Year’s Eve celebrations, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation over a two-week period. The focus remains on protecting the elderly and individuals with co-morbidities through simple measures, such as avoiding direct exposure to returning travelers for about five days.
Regarding the JN.1 variant, reportedly driving surges globally, including in India, Dr. Gangakhedkar acknowledged its high transmissibility but reassured that the healthcare system is prepared with newer drugs like Paxlovid and Remdesivir. Indian companies have been granted sub-licenses to manufacture Pfizer’s anti-viral Paxlovid.