Recent Studies Uncover Long-Term COVID-19 Risks

More than two years after federal officials declared an end to the national COVID-19 emergency in May 2023, recent studies continue to uncover potential long-term health risks from the virus, including effects on brain function, fetal development, and cancer progression, even among those who experienced mild infections.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which emerged in 2019 and has caused over 7 million deaths worldwide according to the World Health Organization, can lead to persistent issues known as long COVID. Coined in spring 2020, the term describes chronic symptoms that linger after initial recovery. New research indicates heightened risks persisting months or years post-infection. For instance, studies of children born to mothers infected during pregnancy show increased chances of autism, delayed speech and motor skills, or other neurodevelopmental issues. Another analysis found these infants experienced faster weight gain in their first year, potentially signaling future metabolic and cardiovascular problems.

"There are other body symptoms apart from the developing fetal brain that also may be impacted," said Andrea Edlow, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and...