Why Long COVID is looking more and more like it’s driven by ‘long infection’

In a recent perspective article in the Medical Journal of Australia, researchers argue that Long COVID may be driven by the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body, with live virus potentially lingering in hidden reservoirs and causing ongoing symptoms. Studies have shown that individuals with prolonged shedding of viral RNA are at higher risk of Long COVID, and evidence suggests that the virus may replicate in various tissues for extended periods. To address this, trials of antiviral drugs, including unconventional options like metformin, are needed, along with the development of new therapeutics and clinical trial platforms. It is crucial to raise awareness about the risks of long infection and the importance of reducing exposure through measures such as ventilation and mask-wearing to prevent Long COVID across all age groups.

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