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What are the long-term effects of the novel coronavirus?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Long-term effects of the novel coronavirus generally include fatigue, abnormal respiratory function, neurocognitive symptoms, cardiovascular discomfort, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Fatigue: Following infection, the body's energy metabolism becomes disrupted, and substantial energy is expended during immune system recovery. This manifests as persistent tiredness that worsens after physical activity and cannot be fully relieved by rest, thereby affecting daily work and quality of life.

Long-term effects of the novel coronavirus generally include fatigue, respiratory dysfunction, neurocognitive symptoms, cardiovascular discomfort, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Specific details are as follows:

1. Fatigue: After infection, the body's energy metabolism becomes disrupted, and large amounts of energy are consumed during immune system recovery. This manifests as persistent tiredness that worsens after physical activity and is difficult to fully relieve even with rest, significantly affecting daily work and life.

2. Respiratory dysfunction: The virus may damage the respiratory mucosa and lung tissue, leading to lingering symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chronic cough. Breathing rate may increase during physical activity, and some individuals may rely on deep breathing to alleviate discomfort. Pulmonary function tests may show mild impairment.

3. Neurocognitive symptoms: Commonly known as "brain fog," these include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking. These symptoms are associated with inflammatory responses triggered by the virus affecting the nervous system, potentially reducing efficiency in work or study and impairing coherent thought processes.

4. Cardiovascular discomfort: The virus may affect the cardiovascular system, causing symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and chest tightness. Some individuals may experience blood pressure fluctuations or abnormal heart rhythms, with discomfort becoming more pronounced after intense physical activity. Overexertion should therefore be avoided.

5. Gastrointestinal disturbances: During viral infection, gastrointestinal mucosal damage may occur. Even after recovery, residual symptoms such as reduced appetite, bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation may persist. These are related to gut microbiota imbalance and abnormal digestive enzyme secretion, and improper diet can easily trigger discomfort.

After experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19, it is important to ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion, gradually resuming moderate exercise to improve physical condition. A balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins should be maintained to support tissue repair.

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