Long COVID could be caused by the virus lingering in the body. Here’s what the science says

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Key Points

Long COVID encompasses up to 200 different symptoms..

We have previously shown immune dysfunction and inflammation persist for up to eight months in people with long COVID that initially had mild to moderate disease.. 2) Activation of other dormant viruses..

Antibodies reactive to Epstein-Barr virus are elevated in people with long COVID suggesting Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, likely through activating the immune system...

Importantly, recent studies have shown the new onset of autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis) are significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and a link between autoimmunity and long COVID is plausible...

While the studies mentioned above provide initial evidence of the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 long after initial infection, more studies are needed to show a convincing link between the lingering virus and long COVID..

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