Covid and Crypto

 I was a bit confused at the connection between Covid and Cryptosporidium Parvum. 

Tern has shown a clear correlation in cases, as Covid rises, so does Crypto. But Crypto is a parasite causing diarrhea. How does that work?? Is it just more severe in people with Covid?? Then Daniel Brittain Dugger explained how Crypto affected people with AIDS as an opportunistic infection. This paper shows a connection between HIV and cholangiocarcinoma - bile duct cancer - that enables parasites to move in more easily and thoroughly. "Cryptosporidium parvum is the most frequently isolated pathogen in patients with HIV cholangiopathy." Back in 2017 it was reported that Crypto occurs in "up to 50% in AIDS patients" in less developed countries, but Tern is ringing an alarm that the rates are skyrocketing in the UK. The interaction appears to be from Covid, particularly people with Long Covid showing Crypto leading to weeks or months of GI distress on top of everything else. 

I'm also seeing more people who have died of pancreatic cancer, something that once seemed relatively rare, but that could just be because I'm hitting that age. There is a connection to Covid, however. It targets the pancreas. Over two years ago there was a suggestion that "evaluation of pancreatic function should be increased in post-Covid-19 patients, both adults and children." 

Something else to keep in mind when considering whether or not to wear a mask to the shops.