Latest news with #SARS-CoV-2
India Today
10 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Razor blade sore throat emerges as key symptom of new Covid strain
A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, now dubbed 'Nimbus', rapidly spreading in several countries and is making headlines for a painful and distinctive symptom: a severely sore throat described by patients as feeling like "swallowing razor blades."This unusually intense throat pain is fast becoming an emerging symptom of the new strain, according to international symptom, being called the "razor blade throat", is affecting individuals across the US, a report by the Associated Press The World Health Organisation (WHO) has maintained that the variant does not currently pose a higher risk of severe illness compared to previous contracting a COVID-19 infection are reporting an unusually intense sore throat, described as feeling like swallowing razor blades, as per IS THE NIMBUS VARIANT?The NB.1.8.1 variant, now nicknamed 'Nimbus', is part of the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus family, which health authorities say is increasingly behaving like a seasonal virus, similar to the Nimbus has garnered attention due to its unusual symptom profile and its rapid geographical spread in recent of mid-May, the WHO reported that Nimbus accounted for nearly 11% of sequenced Covid-19 samples US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also confirmed that the variant had been detected through airport screenings of travelers arriving from Asia in states such as California, Virginia, New York, and India, INSACOG (the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium), identified four circulating variants in the country: LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FORBeyond the intense sore throat, common symptoms of the Nimbus variant continue to mirror those of earlier strains, including fever and chills, cough, headache, and shortness of ARE INDIAN EXERTS SAYING?Cases in India have marginally decreased. As of June 20, the active Covid-19 caseload, stands at 5,608 cases, indicating a downward trend in infections despite the presence of new to the WHO, Nimbus is currently classified as low risk, with no evidence of increased severity or mortality and most patients are managing their symptoms via home isolation.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
What we know about Covid variant ‘Nimbus' known for ‘razor blade throat' amid surge in cases
A new Covid variant is on the rise. According to reports, the most recent variant of the coronavirus has been identified as the "Nimbus" variant, known for causing a 'razor blade throat'. The new variant 'Nimbus', officially known as the NB.1.8.1, as per an Associated Press report, has been detected in several US states such as Washington, New York, California and Virginia. Furthermore, the variant has also been detected in Australia and the UK. As per the World Health Organisation, Nimbus is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19. Under the WHO list of Covid variants to watch for, Nimbus has been classified as a 'variant under monitoring'. 'The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing Covid-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease,' Dr Naveed Asif, a general practitioner at The London General Practice, told The Independent. Also Read: India's active Covid cases near 6,500; 'newly emerging XFG variant' found, says INSACOG | What is it? As per the data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new Omicron variant is currently responsible for one-third of coronavirus cases in the United States (37 per cent). Furthermore, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, the new variant has been detected in at least 13 US states. The variant was also detected in the UK. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA, Britain saw a 10 percent jump in hospitalisation with around 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31. of this, at least 13 cases have been attributed to Nimbus. The Nimbus variant also carries symptoms similar to the Omicron variant, such as congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, loss of taste and smell, runny nose, loss of appetite and muscle aches. However, the variant has garnered global attention due to an unusually painful symptom called "razor blade throat." As the phrase says, patients have likened this symptom to having a razor blade stuck down your throat. Despite this symptom, WHO has stated that the Nimbus variant does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains and is still at the low risk category.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Winter viruses can trigger a heart attack or stroke, our study shows
Winter is here, along with cold days and the inevitable seasonal surge in respiratory viruses. But it's not only the sniffles we need to worry about. Heart attacks and strokes also tend to rise during the winter months. In new research out this week we show one reason why. Our study shows catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke. In other words, common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise are the main reasons for heart attacks and strokes. And rates of heart attacks and strokes can rise in winter for a number of reasons. Factors such as low temperature, less physical activity, more time spent indoors - perhaps with indoor air pollutants - can affect blood clotting and worsen the effects of traditional risk factors. But our new findings build on those from other researchers to show how respiratory viruses can also be a trigger. The theory is respiratory virus infections set off a heart attack or stroke, rather than directly cause them. If traditional risk factors are like dousing a house in petrol, the viral infection is like the matchstick that ignites the flame. For healthy, young people, a newer, well-kept house is unlikely to spontaneously combust. But an older or even abandoned house with faulty electric wiring needs just a spark to lead to a blaze. People who are particularly vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke triggered by a respiratory virus are those with more than one of those traditional risk factors, especially older people. Our team conducted a meta-analysis (a study of existing studies) to see which respiratory viruses play a role in triggering heart attacks and strokes, and the strength of the link. This meant studying more than 11,000 scientific papers, spanning 40 years of research. Overall, the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) were the main triggers. If you catch the flu, we found the risk of a heart attack goes up almost 5.4 times and a stroke by 4.7 times compared with not being infected. The danger zone is short - within the first few days or weeks - and tapers off with time after being infected. Catching COVID can also trigger heart attacks and strokes, but there haven't been enough studies to say exactly what the increased risk is. We also found an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes with other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus and cytomegalovirus. But the links are not as strong, probably because these viruses are less commonly detected or tested for. Over a person's lifetime, our bodies wear and tear and the inside wall of our blood vessels becomes rough. Fatty build-ups (plaques) stick easily to these rough areas, inevitably accumulating and causing tight spaces. Generally, blood can still pass through, and these build-ups don't cause issues. Think of this as dousing the house in petrol, but it's not yet alight. So how does a viral infection act like a matchstick to ignite the flame? Through a cascading process of inflammation. High levels of inflammation that follow a viral infection can crack open a plaque. The body activates blood clotting to fix the crack but this clot could inadvertently block a blood vessel completely, causing a heart attack or stroke. Some studies have found fragments of the COVID virus inside the blood clots that cause heart attacks - further evidence to back our findings. We don't know whether younger, healthier people are also at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke after infection with a respiratory virus. That's because people in the studies we analysed were almost always older adults with at least one of those traditional risk factors, so were already vulnerable. The bad news is we will all be vulnerable eventually, just by getting older. The triggers we identified are mostly preventable by vaccination. There is good evidence from clinical trials the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially if someone already has heart problems. We aren't clear exactly how this works. But the theory is that avoiding common infections, or having less severe symptoms, reduces the chances of setting off the inflammatory chain reaction. COVID vaccination could also indirectly protect against heart attacks and strokes. But the evidence is still emerging. Heart attacks and strokes are among Australia's biggest killers. If vaccinations could help reduce even a small fraction of people having a heart attack or stroke, this could bring substantial benefit to their lives, the community, our stressed health system and the economy. At-risk groups should get vaccinated against flu and COVID. Pregnant women, and people over 60 with medical problems, should receive RSV vaccination to reduce their risk of severe disease. So if you are older or have predisposing medical conditions, check Australia's National Immunisation Program to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine. For younger people, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced diet will set you up for life. Consider checking your heart age (a measure of your risk of heart disease), getting an annual flu vaccine and discuss COVID boosters with your GP. Winter is here, along with cold days and the inevitable seasonal surge in respiratory viruses. But it's not only the sniffles we need to worry about. Heart attacks and strokes also tend to rise during the winter months. In new research out this week we show one reason why. Our study shows catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke. In other words, common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise are the main reasons for heart attacks and strokes. And rates of heart attacks and strokes can rise in winter for a number of reasons. Factors such as low temperature, less physical activity, more time spent indoors - perhaps with indoor air pollutants - can affect blood clotting and worsen the effects of traditional risk factors. But our new findings build on those from other researchers to show how respiratory viruses can also be a trigger. The theory is respiratory virus infections set off a heart attack or stroke, rather than directly cause them. If traditional risk factors are like dousing a house in petrol, the viral infection is like the matchstick that ignites the flame. For healthy, young people, a newer, well-kept house is unlikely to spontaneously combust. But an older or even abandoned house with faulty electric wiring needs just a spark to lead to a blaze. People who are particularly vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke triggered by a respiratory virus are those with more than one of those traditional risk factors, especially older people. Our team conducted a meta-analysis (a study of existing studies) to see which respiratory viruses play a role in triggering heart attacks and strokes, and the strength of the link. This meant studying more than 11,000 scientific papers, spanning 40 years of research. Overall, the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) were the main triggers. If you catch the flu, we found the risk of a heart attack goes up almost 5.4 times and a stroke by 4.7 times compared with not being infected. The danger zone is short - within the first few days or weeks - and tapers off with time after being infected. Catching COVID can also trigger heart attacks and strokes, but there haven't been enough studies to say exactly what the increased risk is. We also found an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes with other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus and cytomegalovirus. But the links are not as strong, probably because these viruses are less commonly detected or tested for. Over a person's lifetime, our bodies wear and tear and the inside wall of our blood vessels becomes rough. Fatty build-ups (plaques) stick easily to these rough areas, inevitably accumulating and causing tight spaces. Generally, blood can still pass through, and these build-ups don't cause issues. Think of this as dousing the house in petrol, but it's not yet alight. So how does a viral infection act like a matchstick to ignite the flame? Through a cascading process of inflammation. High levels of inflammation that follow a viral infection can crack open a plaque. The body activates blood clotting to fix the crack but this clot could inadvertently block a blood vessel completely, causing a heart attack or stroke. Some studies have found fragments of the COVID virus inside the blood clots that cause heart attacks - further evidence to back our findings. We don't know whether younger, healthier people are also at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke after infection with a respiratory virus. That's because people in the studies we analysed were almost always older adults with at least one of those traditional risk factors, so were already vulnerable. The bad news is we will all be vulnerable eventually, just by getting older. The triggers we identified are mostly preventable by vaccination. There is good evidence from clinical trials the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially if someone already has heart problems. We aren't clear exactly how this works. But the theory is that avoiding common infections, or having less severe symptoms, reduces the chances of setting off the inflammatory chain reaction. COVID vaccination could also indirectly protect against heart attacks and strokes. But the evidence is still emerging. Heart attacks and strokes are among Australia's biggest killers. If vaccinations could help reduce even a small fraction of people having a heart attack or stroke, this could bring substantial benefit to their lives, the community, our stressed health system and the economy. At-risk groups should get vaccinated against flu and COVID. Pregnant women, and people over 60 with medical problems, should receive RSV vaccination to reduce their risk of severe disease. So if you are older or have predisposing medical conditions, check Australia's National Immunisation Program to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine. For younger people, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced diet will set you up for life. Consider checking your heart age (a measure of your risk of heart disease), getting an annual flu vaccine and discuss COVID boosters with your GP. Winter is here, along with cold days and the inevitable seasonal surge in respiratory viruses. But it's not only the sniffles we need to worry about. Heart attacks and strokes also tend to rise during the winter months. In new research out this week we show one reason why. Our study shows catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke. In other words, common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise are the main reasons for heart attacks and strokes. And rates of heart attacks and strokes can rise in winter for a number of reasons. Factors such as low temperature, less physical activity, more time spent indoors - perhaps with indoor air pollutants - can affect blood clotting and worsen the effects of traditional risk factors. But our new findings build on those from other researchers to show how respiratory viruses can also be a trigger. The theory is respiratory virus infections set off a heart attack or stroke, rather than directly cause them. If traditional risk factors are like dousing a house in petrol, the viral infection is like the matchstick that ignites the flame. For healthy, young people, a newer, well-kept house is unlikely to spontaneously combust. But an older or even abandoned house with faulty electric wiring needs just a spark to lead to a blaze. People who are particularly vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke triggered by a respiratory virus are those with more than one of those traditional risk factors, especially older people. Our team conducted a meta-analysis (a study of existing studies) to see which respiratory viruses play a role in triggering heart attacks and strokes, and the strength of the link. This meant studying more than 11,000 scientific papers, spanning 40 years of research. Overall, the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) were the main triggers. If you catch the flu, we found the risk of a heart attack goes up almost 5.4 times and a stroke by 4.7 times compared with not being infected. The danger zone is short - within the first few days or weeks - and tapers off with time after being infected. Catching COVID can also trigger heart attacks and strokes, but there haven't been enough studies to say exactly what the increased risk is. We also found an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes with other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus and cytomegalovirus. But the links are not as strong, probably because these viruses are less commonly detected or tested for. Over a person's lifetime, our bodies wear and tear and the inside wall of our blood vessels becomes rough. Fatty build-ups (plaques) stick easily to these rough areas, inevitably accumulating and causing tight spaces. Generally, blood can still pass through, and these build-ups don't cause issues. Think of this as dousing the house in petrol, but it's not yet alight. So how does a viral infection act like a matchstick to ignite the flame? Through a cascading process of inflammation. High levels of inflammation that follow a viral infection can crack open a plaque. The body activates blood clotting to fix the crack but this clot could inadvertently block a blood vessel completely, causing a heart attack or stroke. Some studies have found fragments of the COVID virus inside the blood clots that cause heart attacks - further evidence to back our findings. We don't know whether younger, healthier people are also at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke after infection with a respiratory virus. That's because people in the studies we analysed were almost always older adults with at least one of those traditional risk factors, so were already vulnerable. The bad news is we will all be vulnerable eventually, just by getting older. The triggers we identified are mostly preventable by vaccination. There is good evidence from clinical trials the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially if someone already has heart problems. We aren't clear exactly how this works. But the theory is that avoiding common infections, or having less severe symptoms, reduces the chances of setting off the inflammatory chain reaction. COVID vaccination could also indirectly protect against heart attacks and strokes. But the evidence is still emerging. Heart attacks and strokes are among Australia's biggest killers. If vaccinations could help reduce even a small fraction of people having a heart attack or stroke, this could bring substantial benefit to their lives, the community, our stressed health system and the economy. At-risk groups should get vaccinated against flu and COVID. Pregnant women, and people over 60 with medical problems, should receive RSV vaccination to reduce their risk of severe disease. So if you are older or have predisposing medical conditions, check Australia's National Immunisation Program to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine. For younger people, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced diet will set you up for life. Consider checking your heart age (a measure of your risk of heart disease), getting an annual flu vaccine and discuss COVID boosters with your GP. Winter is here, along with cold days and the inevitable seasonal surge in respiratory viruses. But it's not only the sniffles we need to worry about. Heart attacks and strokes also tend to rise during the winter months. In new research out this week we show one reason why. Our study shows catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke. In other words, common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise are the main reasons for heart attacks and strokes. And rates of heart attacks and strokes can rise in winter for a number of reasons. Factors such as low temperature, less physical activity, more time spent indoors - perhaps with indoor air pollutants - can affect blood clotting and worsen the effects of traditional risk factors. But our new findings build on those from other researchers to show how respiratory viruses can also be a trigger. The theory is respiratory virus infections set off a heart attack or stroke, rather than directly cause them. If traditional risk factors are like dousing a house in petrol, the viral infection is like the matchstick that ignites the flame. For healthy, young people, a newer, well-kept house is unlikely to spontaneously combust. But an older or even abandoned house with faulty electric wiring needs just a spark to lead to a blaze. People who are particularly vulnerable to a heart attack or stroke triggered by a respiratory virus are those with more than one of those traditional risk factors, especially older people. Our team conducted a meta-analysis (a study of existing studies) to see which respiratory viruses play a role in triggering heart attacks and strokes, and the strength of the link. This meant studying more than 11,000 scientific papers, spanning 40 years of research. Overall, the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) were the main triggers. If you catch the flu, we found the risk of a heart attack goes up almost 5.4 times and a stroke by 4.7 times compared with not being infected. The danger zone is short - within the first few days or weeks - and tapers off with time after being infected. Catching COVID can also trigger heart attacks and strokes, but there haven't been enough studies to say exactly what the increased risk is. We also found an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes with other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus and cytomegalovirus. But the links are not as strong, probably because these viruses are less commonly detected or tested for. Over a person's lifetime, our bodies wear and tear and the inside wall of our blood vessels becomes rough. Fatty build-ups (plaques) stick easily to these rough areas, inevitably accumulating and causing tight spaces. Generally, blood can still pass through, and these build-ups don't cause issues. Think of this as dousing the house in petrol, but it's not yet alight. So how does a viral infection act like a matchstick to ignite the flame? Through a cascading process of inflammation. High levels of inflammation that follow a viral infection can crack open a plaque. The body activates blood clotting to fix the crack but this clot could inadvertently block a blood vessel completely, causing a heart attack or stroke. Some studies have found fragments of the COVID virus inside the blood clots that cause heart attacks - further evidence to back our findings. We don't know whether younger, healthier people are also at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke after infection with a respiratory virus. That's because people in the studies we analysed were almost always older adults with at least one of those traditional risk factors, so were already vulnerable. The bad news is we will all be vulnerable eventually, just by getting older. The triggers we identified are mostly preventable by vaccination. There is good evidence from clinical trials the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially if someone already has heart problems. We aren't clear exactly how this works. But the theory is that avoiding common infections, or having less severe symptoms, reduces the chances of setting off the inflammatory chain reaction. COVID vaccination could also indirectly protect against heart attacks and strokes. But the evidence is still emerging. Heart attacks and strokes are among Australia's biggest killers. If vaccinations could help reduce even a small fraction of people having a heart attack or stroke, this could bring substantial benefit to their lives, the community, our stressed health system and the economy. At-risk groups should get vaccinated against flu and COVID. Pregnant women, and people over 60 with medical problems, should receive RSV vaccination to reduce their risk of severe disease. So if you are older or have predisposing medical conditions, check Australia's National Immunisation Program to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine. For younger people, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced diet will set you up for life. Consider checking your heart age (a measure of your risk of heart disease), getting an annual flu vaccine and discuss COVID boosters with your GP.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
A new Covid variant Nimbus aka ‘razor blade throat' is on the rise. All you need to know
India is witnessing a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases, with over 7,000 active infections and more than 70 deaths reported recently. While SARS-CoV-2 has become a recurring seasonal presence, much like influenza, a new variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed 'Nimbus', is drawing global attention for its unusually painful symptom: a sore throat that some are describing as feeling like 'razor blades.' Indian doctors confirm that a few patients have reported this distressing feature. Where has the Nimbus spread? The NB.1.8.1 variant has spread rapidly across China and Hong Kong, and cases have now been detected in several US states, including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York, according to an Associated Press report. Australia has also recorded cases. In the UK, 13 cases were confirmed in June, accompanied by a nearly 10 per cent rise in hospitalisations, The Independent reported. The variant and symptoms have also been detected in India. By mid-May, NB.1.8.1 accounted for nearly 11 per cent of all sequenced COVID samples globally, signaling a rapid rise in circulation. What are the symptoms? The most reported and defining symptom of the Nimbus variant is a severely painful sore throat. Other symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the variant does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains and is currently considered low risk. What has WHO said? The WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring,' indicating that while it is spreading, it doesn't yet pose a major threat. The organisation has also confirmed that current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe outcomes linked to the variant. 'The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease,' Dr Naveed Asif, a general practitioner at The London General Practice, told The Independent. Which vaccines offer protection? Vaccines approved by the US FDA – Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax – are expected to be effective against NB.1.8.1, especially because it belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage. An article by New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center stresses the importance of staying up-to-date with boosters. Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension should take extra precautions, as their immune response may not be as robust. Why Nimbus spreads faster Scientists believe NB.1.8.1 may spread more efficiently due to stronger binding with human cells. A Gavi report noted that the variant binds tightly to the ACE2 receptor, which SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter the body. 'Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested,' said virologist Lara Herrero from Griffith University in The Conversation, 'suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains.' Dr Chun Tang, a general practitioner at UK-based Pall Mall Medical, added that while the variant isn't drastically different from Omicron, 'some tweaks to its spike protein' may make it more transmissible or help it evade immunity. 'What sets NB.1.8.1 apart is how quickly it spreads,' said Dr Magdalena Sobieszczyk, Chief of Infectious Diseases at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia. 'It has a genetic advantage: mutations that make it easy for it to bind to receptors on human cells.' Prevention is key Precautions remain largely the same. Mask up in crowded places, cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash and sanitise your hands regularly, and avoid stepping out if unwell. Ventilated spaces remain safer, especially during spikes in transmission. No, 'Nimbus' isn't a Harry Potter reference While some may associate 'Nimbus' with the magical broomstick from 'Harry Potter' or characters from 'Rick and Morty', the nickname actually refers to a type of cloud. Professor T Ryan Gregory of the University of Guelph in Canada explained to Gavi' that naming conventions like 'Nimbus' (NB.1.8.1) and 'Stratus' (XFG) help make emerging variants easier to track and communicate to the public.
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Post-Acute COVID Biomarker Patterns Vary by Symptom and Time
In patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), biomarker profiles varied according to symptom type and time since infection, and levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IFN gamma and CD163) and vascular activation biomarkers (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) showed strong correlations with specific long-COVID symptoms. METHODOLOGY: PASC affects a considerable number of people after mild acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, but data on its pathophysiologic mechanisms remain limited. In this study, researchers explored symptoms associated with PASC and examined its association with a range of blood biomarkers. They included participants with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection either asymptomatic or without persistent symptoms categorized into recovered (n = 490) and PASC (n = 311) groups, using data from three French population-based cohorts collected between February 2020 and October 2021. Participants received two home visits at baseline and 6 months for biological sample collection and completed questionnaires covering medical history, infection status, vaccination status, symptoms, and mental health. Researchers assessed 14 blood biomarkers, including cytokines, chemokines, immune checkpoints, cell adhesion molecules, and markers of macrophage activation and vascular damage, which are known to be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. TAKEAWAY: Participants with PASC commonly reported persistent fatigue, breathlessness, cough, and sleep disorders, along with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Inflammatory biomarkers linked to COVID-19 severity (IFN gamma and CD163) and vascular activation markers (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) showed significant correlations with specific PASC symptoms, particularly among participants infected within the past year; however, these associations largely disappeared over time. Viral activation markers (PD-L1 and IP-10) were positively associated with acute-phase symptoms such as anosmia/ageusia and cough, particularly in recent infections. Complete symptom resolution was more common among participants with recent infections (< 1 year ago) than among those infected a year ago, occurring in 38% vs 20% of cases ( P = .04). Overall, 74% of individuals experienced a resolution of at least one symptom. IN PRACTICE: 'Biomarker profiles appear to vary according to symptom type and the time elapsed since infection. Consequently, research efforts and treatment strategies should take these parameters into account,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Olivier Robineau, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre-Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France. It was published online on May 30, 2025, in eBioMedicine . LIMITATIONS: Individuals with more severe symptoms may have been particularly motivated to participate, introducing selection bias. Additionally, as most biomarker measurements were taken long after participants' initial infection and only a few participants had recent infections, the ability to identify associations specific to the acute phase was likely diminished. DISCLOSURES: This study received funding from the French Ministry of Health and Prevention and the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Two authors disclosed receiving financial support from Gilead, ViiV, MSD, Moderna, or Pfizer or nonfinancial support from Nordic Pharma France.
