Subscribe now

Health

Long covid: Why are some people sick months after catching the virus?

By Jessica Hamzelou

28 October 2020

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Vanessa Branchi

THE argument for naturally obtained herd immunity as a solution to the coronavirus pandemic has made a return in recent weeks. But letting the virus spread among younger people, who are less likely to die from covid-19, could lead to devastating consequences. Estimates suggest that there could already be millions of people around the world living with “long covid” – what appears to be a debilitating syndrome that follows a coronavirus infection.

As personal stories of long-term problems accumulate, researchers and health bodies are learning more about what might cause these long-lasting symptoms, and how best to treat them.

Dismissed by…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop