Activating Metabolism May Boost Immunity Post-COVID

A new study has found that people who got COVID-19 are more susceptible to infections from other pathogens, such as flu and bacteria, due to a weakened immune system. Researchers discovered that the mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells, play a crucial role in this process. When COVID-19 infects the body, it can impair the mitochondria's function in T cells, which are a type of immune cell responsible for fighting off infections. As a result, these T cells become less effective at responding to other pathogens, making people more vulnerable to illness. The study suggests that activating mitochondrial function with certain medications may help restore the immune system's ability to fight off infections, providing new hope for those who have recovered from COVID-19 but remain susceptible to other illnesses.