Long COVID: Scientific Community Proposes Virus Persistence as Possible Cause for Persistent Symptoms
Melbourne, Nov 29 (News Today) - Researchers are calling on governments and healthcare systems to take a new perspective on long COVID, suggesting that the virus itself may be lingering in the body of those affected.
Studies have shown that around 5-10% of people who contract COVID-19 go on to experience symptoms for three months or more. However, researchers propose that viral persistence - the idea that live virus can stay in various tissues and organs for extended periods - could be driving this phenomenon.
Viral persistence has significant implications for long COVID, including the potential to cause new variants of the virus and continue to cause symptoms in people long after acute illness has passed. Researchers argue that targeting live virus with specific antiviral approaches could lead to effective treatments.
Recent studies have found a high number of people with mild COVID symptoms shedding viral RNA from their respiratory tract, as well as replicating viral RNA and proteins in blood fluid years after initial infection. These findings suggest that the virus may be replicating for long periods in hidden reservoirs within the body.
While formal proof of live virus persistence is elusive due to technical challenges, researchers say that cumulative evidence supports this theory. They are now calling on action, including fast-tracking trials of antiviral treatments and developing new drugs to target the persisting virus.
The scientific community believes that demystifying long COVID by recognizing viral persistence as a possible cause could help raise awareness among both healthcare professionals and the general public. They also emphasize the importance of reducing rates of re-infection, which carries a risk of long COVID, regardless of age or pre-existing medical conditions.
In light of this new evidence, governments and healthcare systems are being urged to take serious action. Researchers highlight that increased awareness of viral persistence may prompt clinicians to offer more effective treatments to those seeking help with long COVID symptoms.
The focus now is on translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions for prevention and treatment. Vaccines have already proven effective in reducing the risk of long COVID, but researchers argue that new and innovative approaches are needed to provide relief for those affected by this condition.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.