Cumulative Health Risks Bolster Case for Strict COVID-19 Avoidance

New scientific findings are increasingly supporting stringent COVID-19 avoidance measures, a strategy diligently pursued by individuals such as researcher Katja Grace. A recent social media post by "Nathan 🔎" highlighted this development, noting that Grace "has taken a lot of social cost for her extreme avoidance of covid (she's managed never to have it), but this looks like increasing evidence in favour of her position." This perspective emerges as understanding of the virus's long-term health implications continues to evolve.

Katja Grace, a prominent figure in AI safety and effective altruism, has publicly documented her comprehensive approach to preventing COVID-19 infection since the pandemic's onset. Her strategy, detailed on platforms like the EA Forum, involved significant lifestyle changes such as avoiding indoor social gatherings, public transportation, and non-essential indoor public spaces. Grace has openly discussed the substantial "social cost" incurred, including missed social events, reduced interactions with friends, and strain on personal relationships.

Recent research provides significant validation for the benefits of preventing even mild or repeated SARS-CoV-2 infections. Studies, including those published in Nature Reviews Immunology, indicate that long COVID affects millions globally, irrespective of the initial infection's severity. Even mild or asymptomatic cases can lead to persistent symptoms across multiple organ systems, encompassing fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues.

Further evidence from the Washington University School of Medicine, published in Nature Medicine, demonstrates that individuals experiencing repeat COVID-19 infections face elevated risks of developing new or exacerbated health problems. These health issues can impact the heart, lungs, brain, and immune system, with risks accumulating with each subsequent infection. Yale Medicine also suggests that reinfections do not necessarily confer immunity against long COVID, and may even worsen prognosis or increase the likelihood of developing new symptoms. This growing body of evidence underscores the potential long-term health benefits derived from proactive strategies aimed at preventing infection altogether.