The Relationship Between Chronic Viral Infection and Long COVID

(NIH) In a small study supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), researchers found that chronic viral infections may influence the likelihood of someone developing Long COVID. They also found that different chronic infections were associated with the development of different Long COVID symptoms. Some viruses cause underlying chronic infections. These viruses stay inactive in our bodies without making us sick and can then reactivate if the body is dealing with another infection, or if it is under stress. The reactivated virus can produce symptoms, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Viruses that can cause chronic infections include HIV, herpesviruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).