Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

In 2020, COVID-19 redefined global health infrastructure, travel norms and daily habits. Today, even though most of the world is back to business as usual, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggered a global pandemic still remains silently persistent. With new data emerging in 2025, it's obvious that even if the severity of the virus had reduced for most, its mutation keeps impacting populations in new and complex ways.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/can-you-take-antibiotics-for-covid-19-here-is-what-the-who-says-now-article-152423932" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Can You Take Antibiotics For Covid-19? Here Is What The WHO Says Now</a>

So, what is COVID in 2025 like? From nuanced changes in patterns of symptoms to news on vaccine immunity and AI-driven virus forecasting, here's a closer look at the latest direction of COVID and its continued influence.

While hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths have significantly slowed from pandemic highs, the virus is hardly gone. In Australia alone, there were 58,000 cases of COVID so far in 2025, though experts say the real numbers are much greater, given decreasing testing and underreporting.

Sentinel surveillance statistics by FluCan, a network of 14 hospitals, reported 781 hospitalizations due to COVID complication in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Another 289 deaths due to respiratory infections caused by COVID happened in the first two months of the year. These statistics point out that, although COVID seems less formidable now, it is still a critical healthcare issue for some sections of the population.

<h2>Who Is Still at Risk of Severe COVID?</h2>

Currently, the vast majority of individuals who develop COVID have a mild, self-limiting illness. Nonetheless, the following groups are still at risk:

<ul><li>Older adults, especially those over the age of 70</li><li>Immunocompromised persons, including cancer patients</li><li>Individuals with chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease</li><li>Socially disadvantaged populations, including those experiencing homelessness</li></ul>

Social disparities persist to influence health outcomes. In the UK, residents of the most deprived neighborhoods are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with infectious diseases as those in better-off neighborhoods.

The typical COVID symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath — remain among the most frequently reported. Yet, newer strains have brought back some distinct symptom trends:

Early in the pandemic, anosmia, or the acute loss of taste or smell, was one of COVID's defining symptoms. The symptom was less frequent with Omicron, but a recent report from a French study indicates a return of anosmia in infections involving the JN.1 variant.

Anosmia is now more variant-specific, so it is a key symptom to monitor for new variants.

One of the key distinguishing factors between COVID and other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or the flu is the lingering of symptoms, a condition now commonly known as Long COVID.

Scientists at the University of Texas matched patient data between COVID, influenza, and pneumonia. The analysis concluded that symptoms of COVID lasted longer and differed in intensity and nature. Brain fog, breathlessness, and fatigue were the most likely of the symptoms to linger months post-infection. Of interest, these post-viral symptoms appeared more frequently among the unvaccinated. 

<h2>How Long Does COVID Last in 2025?</h2>

For the majority of healthy patients with mild to moderate illness, COVID symptoms disappear in 7 to 10 days. Individuals can, however, be infectious from 48 hours prior to symptom onset until around 10 days after infection.

Notably, symptom duration and recovery vary depending on various factors:

Infection severity: Severe infections may have weeks- or months-long symptoms

Vaccination status: Those who are vaccinated tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer ongoing symptoms

Past history of infection: Future infections are shorter and less symptomatic

A UK study of 5,000 healthcare workers found that fatigue fell progressively with each reinfection — 17.3% after the first, 12.8% after the second, and only 10.8% after the third.

<h2>Why Testing Still Matters Even in 2025?</h2>

COVID testing continues to be an important tool, particularly in symptomatic people, those with recent contact, or who are high-risk groups. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are easily accessible, yet a negative RAT is not necessarily conclusive of non-infection — especially in the early phase.

Confirmatory PCR testing is still the gold standard for reliable detection and is advised in individuals who are looking for early medical intervention, particularly in the immunocompromised.

While isolation is no longer required in most areas, public health recommendations include staying home when sick and wearing a well-fitting mask when out in public.

<h2>Is Vaccination Still The Most Effective Shield?</h2>

COVID vaccines remain effective against severe illness and symptomatic infection. Recent European data (awaiting peer review) indicate that vaccines were 66% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID this winter.

Adults 75 and older: Boosters every 6 months

High-risk adults (18+): Eligible for a booster every 6 months

A wide-ranging overview of more than 4,300 studies determined that fully vaccinated individuals were 27% less likely to develop long COVID than unvaccinated individuals.

As SARS-CoV-2 evolves through mutations, keeping vaccines effective is a moving target. Come forward EVE-Vax, a sophisticated AI system that computer-generates viral proteins that may be able to bypass immune defenses.

Unlike other approaches that respond to current variants, EVE-Vax anticipates ahead of time how the virus could change. By modeling possible future mutations, this technology could transform the way vaccines and treatments are designed — not only for COVID but for other fast-changing viruses such as influenza and HIV.

Though the immediate global crisis is over, COVID-19 in 2025 is an evolving public health concern. While the majority of cases are mild, the virus still presents severe threats to at-risk populations, and long-term complications are increasingly understood.

Public health measures now need to walk a tightrope between caution and flexibility — incorporating technological innovation such as AI modeling and continuing global vaccination programs to pre-empt future surges. The virus has evolved, our response must also evolve.

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long covid 2025

new covid variants

covid infection duration

anosmia covid comeback

covid hospitalization rates

covid vaccine update

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In 2020, COVID-19 redefined global health infrastructure, travel norms and daily habits. Today, even though most of the world is back to business as usual, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggered a global pandemic still remains silently persistent. With new data emerging in 2025, it's obvious that even if the severity of the virus had reduced for most, its mutation keeps impacting populations in new and complex ways.Also Read: Can You Take Antibiotics For Covid-19? Here Is What The WHO Says NowSo, what is COVID in 2025 like? From nuanced changes in patterns of symptoms to news on vaccine immunity and AI-driven virus forecasting, here's a closer look at the latest direction of COVID and its continued influence.While hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths have significantly slowed from pandemic highs, the virus is hardly gone. In Australia alone, there were 58,000 cases of COVID so far in 2025, though experts say the real numbers are much greater, given decreasing testing and underreporting.Sentinel surveillance statistics by FluCan, a network of 14 hospitals, reported 781 hospitalizations due to COVID complication in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Another 289 deaths due to respiratory infections caused by COVID happened in the first two months of the year. These statistics point out that, although COVID seems less formidable now, it is still a critical healthcare issue for some sections of the population.Who Is Still at Risk of Severe COVID?Currently, the vast majority of individuals who develop COVID have a mild, self-limiting illness. Nonetheless, the following groups are still at risk:Older adults, especially those over the age of 70Immunocompromised persons, including cancer patientsIndividuals with chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseaseSocially disadvantaged populations, including those experiencing homelessnessSocial disparities persist to influence health outcomes. In the UK, residents of the most deprived neighborhoods are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with infectious diseases as those in better-off neighborhoods.Unique Symptoms of New COVIDThe typical COVID symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath — remain among the most frequently reported. Yet, newer strains have brought back some distinct symptom trends:Early in the pandemic, anosmia, or the acute loss of taste or smell, was one of COVID's defining symptoms. The symptom was less frequent with Omicron, but a recent report from a French study indicates a return of anosmia in infections involving the JN.1 variant.Anosmia is now more variant-specific, so it is a key symptom to monitor for new variants.One of the key distinguishing factors between COVID and other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or the flu is the lingering of symptoms, a condition now commonly known as Long COVID.Scientists at the University of Texas matched patient data between COVID, influenza, and pneumonia. The analysis concluded that symptoms of COVID lasted longer and differed in intensity and nature. Brain fog, breathlessness, and fatigue were the most likely of the symptoms to linger months post-infection. Of interest, these post-viral symptoms appeared more frequently among the unvaccinated. How Long Does COVID Last in 2025?For the majority of healthy patients with mild to moderate illness, COVID symptoms disappear in 7 to 10 days. Individuals can, however, be infectious from 48 hours prior to symptom onset until around 10 days after infection.Notably, symptom duration and recovery vary depending on various factors:Infection severity: Severe infections may have weeks- or months-long symptomsVaccination status: Those who are vaccinated tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer ongoing symptomsPast history of infection: Future infections are shorter and less symptomaticA UK study of 5,000 healthcare workers found that fatigue fell progressively with each reinfection — 17.3% after the first, 12.8% after the second, and only 10.8% after the third.Why Testing Still Matters Even in 2025?COVID testing continues to be an important tool, particularly in symptomatic people, those with recent contact, or who are high-risk groups. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are easily accessible, yet a negative RAT is not necessarily conclusive of non-infection — especially in the early phase.Confirmatory PCR testing is still the gold standard for reliable detection and is advised in individuals who are looking for early medical intervention, particularly in the immunocompromised.While isolation is no longer required in most areas, public health recommendations include staying home when sick and wearing a well-fitting mask when out in public.Is Vaccination Still The Most Effective Shield?COVID vaccines remain effective against severe illness and symptomatic infection. Recent European data (awaiting peer review) indicate that vaccines were 66% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID this winter.2025 vaccination recommendations are:Adults 65–74: Boosters every 12 monthsAdults 75 and older: Boosters every 6 monthsHigh-risk adults (18+): Eligible for a booster every 6 monthsA wide-ranging overview of more than 4,300 studies determined that fully vaccinated individuals were 27% less likely to develop long COVID than unvaccinated individuals.AI in COVID TestingAs SARS-CoV-2 evolves through mutations, keeping vaccines effective is a moving target. Come forward EVE-Vax, a sophisticated AI system that computer-generates viral proteins that may be able to bypass immune defenses.Unlike other approaches that respond to current variants, EVE-Vax anticipates ahead of time how the virus could change. By modeling possible future mutations, this technology could transform the way vaccines and treatments are designed — not only for COVID but for other fast-changing viruses such as influenza and HIV.Is COVID in 2025 Different?Though the immediate global crisis is over, COVID-19 in 2025 is an evolving public health concern. While the majority of cases are mild, the virus still presents severe threats to at-risk populations, and long-term complications are increasingly understood.Public health measures now need to walk a tightrope between caution and flexibility — incorporating technological innovation such as AI modeling and continuing global vaccination programs to pre-empt future surges. The virus has evolved, our response must also evolve.

covid 2025: unique symptoms of new variant and how long infection now last

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Reddit

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Parts of the US, particularly <span>Fort Collins</span>, <span>Colorado</span>, are currently playing host to <span>rabbits with black tentacles</span> that are definitely not pleasing to look at. They have got black, spike-like growths sprouting from their faces, resembling something between <span>sea anemone tentacles</span> and <span>mediaeval torture devices</span>. And officials say you should absolutely avoid touching them.

The unsettling appearance is caused by the <span>cottontail papilloma virus</span> (CRPV), also known as the <span>Shope papilloma virus</span>. This rare condition causes wart-like tumours to erupt on or around the head of a rabbit, eventually hardening into horn-like growths made of keratin, the same stuff your fingernails are made of.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials say they do not believe the virus can spread to humans or pets, but the advice is still clear: do not attempt to handle, rescue, or play with these unfortunate creatures.

CRPV is mostly spread via blood-sucking <span>insects like mosquitoes and ticks</span>. Once they bite an <span>infected rabbit</span>, they can pass the virus to the next one they feed on. The good news is that scientists say it is almost never transmitted by direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact and there is no evidence of insect bites passing the virus to humans.

First signs include small red bumps that eventually morph into grotesque growths. In extreme cases, these tumours can get so large they block the rabbit’s vision, hearing, or even ability to eat, leading to slow starvation.

On social media, the debate is heating up over whether it is more humane to euthanise severely infected wild rabbits to prevent suffering. 

Animal control officials have not endorsed any such measures. Their position is simple: the virus does not pose a public health threat, and interfering with wildlife generally causes more harm than good. The standing advice is to leave the animals undisturbed and let nature take its course, however grim it might seem.

For those with pet rabbits, the threat is real but manageable. Since the virus spreads via insects, the best prevention is pest control, keeping rabbits indoors during peak mosquito activity and using protective enclosures. If a pet does become infected, veterinarians can surgically remove the growths before they become malignant. Occasionally, tumours shrink on their own, but in wild rabbits, they often grow bigger year after year.

There is no cure for CRPV in wild rabbits, and the prognosis is rarely good once the growths interfere with basic functions like eating. Wildlife officials stress that the best way to help is to keep your distance, avoid feeding or attempting to “save” them, and report sightings if local authorities request it.

These infected rabbits are a reminder of how viruses can warp the natural world in unsettling ways. 

Frankenstein Rabbits

fort collins

colorado

cottontail papilloma virus

Shope papilloma virus

infected rabbit

rabbits with black tentacles

insects like mosquitoes and ticks

sea anemone tentacles

mediaeval torture devices

Parts of the US, particularly Fort Collins, Colorado, are currently playing host to rabbits with black tentacles that are definitely not pleasing to look at. They have got black, spike-like growths sprouting from their faces, resembling something between sea anemone tentacles and mediaeval torture devices. And officials say you should absolutely avoid touching them.The unsettling appearance is caused by the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), also known as the Shope papilloma virus. This rare condition causes wart-like tumours to erupt on or around the head of a rabbit, eventually hardening into horn-like growths made of keratin, the same stuff your fingernails are made of.Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials say they do not believe the virus can spread to humans or pets, but the advice is still clear: do not attempt to handle, rescue, or play with these unfortunate creatures.How It Spreads CRPV is mostly spread via blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Once they bite an infected rabbit, they can pass the virus to the next one they feed on. The good news is that scientists say it is almost never transmitted by direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact and there is no evidence of insect bites passing the virus to humans.First signs include small red bumps that eventually morph into grotesque growths. In extreme cases, these tumours can get so large they block the rabbit’s vision, hearing, or even ability to eat, leading to slow starvation.To Save or Not to Save?On social media, the debate is heating up over whether it is more humane to euthanise severely infected wild rabbits to prevent suffering. Animal control officials have not endorsed any such measures. Their position is simple: the virus does not pose a public health threat, and interfering with wildlife generally causes more harm than good. The standing advice is to leave the animals undisturbed and let nature take its course, however grim it might seem.What About Pet Rabbits?For those with pet rabbits, the threat is real but manageable. Since the virus spreads via insects, the best prevention is pest control, keeping rabbits indoors during peak mosquito activity and using protective enclosures. If a pet does become infected, veterinarians can surgically remove the growths before they become malignant. Occasionally, tumours shrink on their own, but in wild rabbits, they often grow bigger year after year.There is no cure for CRPV in wild rabbits, and the prognosis is rarely good once the growths interfere with basic functions like eating. Wildlife officials stress that the best way to help is to keep your distance, avoid feeding or attempting to “save” them, and report sightings if local authorities request it.These infected rabbits are a reminder of how viruses can warp the natural world in unsettling ways. 

warning as ‘frankenstein’ rabbits with spike-like growths spotted in the us; public told to keep away

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Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies?

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Millions of people worldwide continue to experience symptoms weeks, months, or even years after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. For more than four years, long COVID has remained one of the pandemic’s most perplexing mysteries. Yet, despite the global scale of the problem, there has been no objective way to confirm a diagnosis. Doctors have relied almost entirely on patient-reported symptoms and a process of elimination to rule out other causes.

That may be about to change. A team of researchers from the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, and the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center has identified a potential biomarker that could offer the first measurable, laboratory-based confirmation of long COVID. Their findings, published in the journal Infection, point to a new way of detecting the lingering footprint of the virus in the body — and with it, the possibility of changing how long COVID is diagnosed, studied, and treated.

<h2>Why Diagnosing Long COVID Is Difficult?</h2>

Long COVID is not a single, uniform illness. It’s a complex, post-viral condition with more than 200 possible symptoms, ranging from crushing fatigue and brain fog to shortness of breath, chest pain, and neurological changes. According to estimates, anywhere from 15% to over 40% of people infected with <span>COVID-19</span> may experience lingering symptoms, depending on which definition is used.

That lack of standardization is a huge problem. A recent study analyzing definitions from five countries — the US, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, and Puerto Rico — found wildly different prevalence rates when the same patient dataset was assessed. Without an objective test, researchers struggle to identify who truly has long COVID, making large-scale studies inconsistent and slowing the development of targeted treatments.

William Stringer, M.D., a senior author of the new study and a Lundquist Institute investigator, explains the gap: “If a patient arrives in clinic and describes the persistence of typical signs and symptoms of long COVID, 12 weeks or more after COVID-19 infection, I give them a presumptive diagnosis. But I don’t have any blood tests or biomarkers to confirm this diagnosis.”

Also Read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/is-stratus-covid-variant-the-pandemics-next-chapter-in-2025-with-new-symptoms-article-152442256" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Is 'Stratus' COVID Variant The Pandemic’s Next Chapter In 2025 With New Symptoms?</a>

<h2>Traces of the Virus in <span rel="noindex">Extracellular Vesicles</span></h2>

The new research zeroes in on extracellular vesicles (EVs) — microscopic packages released by cells to transport proteins, metabolites, and other materials throughout the body. These vesicles act like biological couriers, shuttling information from cell to cell.

Researchers collected and analyzed 56 blood samples from 14 long COVID patients over 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training, as part of an ongoing clinical trial. What they found was striking- 65 distinct protein fragments from SARS-CoV-2 inside the EVs, all originating from the virus’s Pp1ab protein.

This protein is an RNA replicase enzyme — crucial to the virus’s ability to copy itself and produce new viral particles — and is unique to SARS-CoV-2. It does not occur in uninfected human cells. “We thought that maybe if the virus is circulating or moving in the body, we should try to see if EVs are carrying those viral fragments,” says lead author Asghar Abbasi, Ph.D., of the Lundquist Institute.

Importantly, these viral peptides were detected in every patient, though not in every individual blood draw, and were absent in a separate control group using pre-pandemic EV samples. That suggests the biomarker may be specific to long COVID.

<h2>Could This Mean the Virus Lingers in the Human Body?</h2>

One of the most debated questions in <span>long COVID research</span> is whether the virus — or pieces of it — persist in the body long after the initial infection. Evidence has been mounting that SARS-CoV-2 may remain in certain tissues, creating “viral reservoirs” that could contribute to ongoing symptoms.

The new study supports this theory. The detection of Pp1ab fragments inside EVs hints that remnants of the virus might be traveling through the body, possibly reaching tissues without typical viral entry points, such as the brain. How this happens remains unknown. EVs may play a role in delivering these viral remnants to distant sites, potentially influencing symptoms.

Still, co-senior author Patrick Pirrotte, Ph.D., of TGen urges caution. “The molecular signal of the viral peptides was subtle and not consistently detected at every time point,” he notes. “We don’t yet know if exercise triggers the release of these proteins, if they come from a permanent reservoir, or if they’re simply leftover molecular ‘trash’ from past viral replication.”

If validated by further studies, this biomarker could be a game-changer for both clinical care and research.

For patients- An objective blood test could confirm a diagnosis and give legitimacy to those whose symptoms have been dismissed or attributed to other causes. It could also guide treatment decisions, help monitor disease progression, and potentially measure response to therapy.

For researchers- A biomarker could bring much-needed consistency to clinical trials. Right now, varying definitions and diagnostic criteria make it difficult to compare studies or determine which interventions truly work. With a measurable indicator, scientists could better select participants, study the underlying mechanisms, and test targeted treatments more effectively.

The study leaves several unanswered questions. For one, it’s not yet clear whether these viral fragments are present in people who had COVID-19 but recovered without long-term symptoms. Without that comparison, it’s hard to know if the biomarker is unique to long COVID or simply a lingering byproduct of infection.

The mechanism is also murky, are these proteins signs of ongoing viral replication somewhere in the body, or are they debris being cleared out over time? And if they are part of an active process, could targeting them improve patient outcomes?

Until these issues are resolved, the biomarker is more of a promising lead than a definitive diagnostic tool.

<h2>Why Have We Not Fully Understood Long COVID?</h2>

Long COVID remains an evolving medical challenge. Despite years of research, we still don’t fully know what causes it, why it affects some people and not others, or how to predict recovery. Without a standardized definition, prevalence estimates vary widely, and with more than 800 million COVID cases worldwide, the potential number of patients is staggering.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the US has proposed a definition that includes up to 200 symptoms and states that no single symptom can confirm or rule out a diagnosis. While comprehensive, some experts argue that narrowing the symptom list could make diagnosis more specific and practical for research and clinical use.

The researchers behind the new study are already planning follow-up work to test whether the biomarker appears in people who had COVID-19 without developing long COVID. They also aim to investigate whether its presence changes over time or in response to treatments.

If their findings hold, this biomarker could mark the start of a new chapter in the fight against long COVID — one where diagnosis is not just about listening to symptoms, but also about identifying a clear, measurable biological signal.

As Dr. Stringer puts it, “This raises the question: is this just continuing to take out the trash from the COVID-infected cell, or is this really ongoing replication someplace? That’s the mechanistic issue that needs to be resolved in future studies.”

long covid biomarker

long covid test

sars cov2 protein fragments

extracellular vesicles

long covid diagnosis

persistent covid symptoms

long covid research

COVID-19

Millions of people worldwide continue to experience symptoms weeks, months, or even years after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. For more than four years, long COVID has remained one of the pandemic’s most perplexing mysteries. Yet, despite the global scale of the problem, there has been no objective way to confirm a diagnosis. Doctors have relied almost entirely on patient-reported symptoms and a process of elimination to rule out other causes.That may be about to change. A team of researchers from the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, and the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center has identified a potential biomarker that could offer the first measurable, laboratory-based confirmation of long COVID. Their findings, published in the journal Infection, point to a new way of detecting the lingering footprint of the virus in the body — and with it, the possibility of changing how long COVID is diagnosed, studied, and treated.Why Diagnosing Long COVID Is Difficult?Long COVID is not a single, uniform illness. It’s a complex, post-viral condition with more than 200 possible symptoms, ranging from crushing fatigue and brain fog to shortness of breath, chest pain, and neurological changes. According to estimates, anywhere from 15% to over 40% of people infected with COVID-19 may experience lingering symptoms, depending on which definition is used.That lack of standardization is a huge problem. A recent study analyzing definitions from five countries — the US, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, and Puerto Rico — found wildly different prevalence rates when the same patient dataset was assessed. Without an objective test, researchers struggle to identify who truly has long COVID, making large-scale studies inconsistent and slowing the development of targeted treatments.William Stringer, M.D., a senior author of the new study and a Lundquist Institute investigator, explains the gap: “If a patient arrives in clinic and describes the persistence of typical signs and symptoms of long COVID, 12 weeks or more after COVID-19 infection, I give them a presumptive diagnosis. But I don’t have any blood tests or biomarkers to confirm this diagnosis.”Also Read: Is 'Stratus' COVID Variant The Pandemic’s Next Chapter In 2025 With New Symptoms?Traces of the Virus in Extracellular VesiclesThe new research zeroes in on extracellular vesicles (EVs) — microscopic packages released by cells to transport proteins, metabolites, and other materials throughout the body. These vesicles act like biological couriers, shuttling information from cell to cell.Researchers collected and analyzed 56 blood samples from 14 long COVID patients over 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training, as part of an ongoing clinical trial. What they found was striking- 65 distinct protein fragments from SARS-CoV-2 inside the EVs, all originating from the virus’s Pp1ab protein.This protein is an RNA replicase enzyme — crucial to the virus’s ability to copy itself and produce new viral particles — and is unique to SARS-CoV-2. It does not occur in uninfected human cells. “We thought that maybe if the virus is circulating or moving in the body, we should try to see if EVs are carrying those viral fragments,” says lead author Asghar Abbasi, Ph.D., of the Lundquist Institute.Importantly, these viral peptides were detected in every patient, though not in every individual blood draw, and were absent in a separate control group using pre-pandemic EV samples. That suggests the biomarker may be specific to long COVID.Could This Mean the Virus Lingers in the Human Body?One of the most debated questions in long COVID research is whether the virus — or pieces of it — persist in the body long after the initial infection. Evidence has been mounting that SARS-CoV-2 may remain in certain tissues, creating “viral reservoirs” that could contribute to ongoing symptoms.The new study supports this theory. The detection of Pp1ab fragments inside EVs hints that remnants of the virus might be traveling through the body, possibly reaching tissues without typical viral entry points, such as the brain. How this happens remains unknown. EVs may play a role in delivering these viral remnants to distant sites, potentially influencing symptoms.Still, co-senior author Patrick Pirrotte, Ph.D., of TGen urges caution. “The molecular signal of the viral peptides was subtle and not consistently detected at every time point,” he notes. “We don’t yet know if exercise triggers the release of these proteins, if they come from a permanent reservoir, or if they’re simply leftover molecular ‘trash’ from past viral replication.”If validated by further studies, this biomarker could be a game-changer for both clinical care and research.For patients- An objective blood test could confirm a diagnosis and give legitimacy to those whose symptoms have been dismissed or attributed to other causes. It could also guide treatment decisions, help monitor disease progression, and potentially measure response to therapy.For researchers- A biomarker could bring much-needed consistency to clinical trials. Right now, varying definitions and diagnostic criteria make it difficult to compare studies or determine which interventions truly work. With a measurable indicator, scientists could better select participants, study the underlying mechanisms, and test targeted treatments more effectively.The study leaves several unanswered questions. For one, it’s not yet clear whether these viral fragments are present in people who had COVID-19 but recovered without long-term symptoms. Without that comparison, it’s hard to know if the biomarker is unique to long COVID or simply a lingering byproduct of infection.The mechanism is also murky, are these proteins signs of ongoing viral replication somewhere in the body, or are they debris being cleared out over time? And if they are part of an active process, could targeting them improve patient outcomes?Until these issues are resolved, the biomarker is more of a promising lead than a definitive diagnostic tool.Why Have We Not Fully Understood Long COVID?Long COVID remains an evolving medical challenge. Despite years of research, we still don’t fully know what causes it, why it affects some people and not others, or how to predict recovery. Without a standardized definition, prevalence estimates vary widely, and with more than 800 million COVID cases worldwide, the potential number of patients is staggering.The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the US has proposed a definition that includes up to 200 symptoms and states that no single symptom can confirm or rule out a diagnosis. While comprehensive, some experts argue that narrowing the symptom list could make diagnosis more specific and practical for research and clinical use.The researchers behind the new study are already planning follow-up work to test whether the biomarker appears in people who had COVID-19 without developing long COVID. They also aim to investigate whether its presence changes over time or in response to treatments.If their findings hold, this biomarker could mark the start of a new chapter in the fight against long COVID — one where diagnosis is not just about listening to symptoms, but also about identifying a clear, measurable biological signal.As Dr. Stringer puts it, “This raises the question: is this just continuing to take out the trash from the COVID-infected cell, or is this really ongoing replication someplace? That’s the mechanistic issue that needs to be resolved in future studies.”

Pancreatic Cancer: New Study Warns How Your Alcohol Habit Could Be A Date With One Of The World’s Deadliest Cancers

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A new study from scientists in Miami has raised a big red flag saying that heavy <span>alcohol consumption</span> does not just damage your liver; it could also be quietly harming your <span>pancreas</span> and paving the way to one of the <span>most lethal cancers in the world</span>. While nobody talks much about this organ, it keeps your show running. Sitting behind the stomach, the pancreas organ produces the digestive enzymes that help you break down food, as well as the hormones that regulate your blood sugar. 

The fresh study, published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, sheds new light on how alcohol-induced inflammation accelerates the development of the deadly disease. 

The Miami researchers discovered that alcohol, in high quantities, can damage the very pancreatic cells that make those enzymes. This injury sparks inflammation that can smoulder away until it creates precancerous lesions. Left unchecked, these can evolve into <span>pancreatic cancer</span>, a disease with a grim reputation.

Not everyone who enjoys a tipple is destined for cancer. For the disease to develop, researchers found that a mutation in a <span>gene called Ras</span>, which controls cell growth, must also be present. But when alcohol was paired with a pro-inflammatory molecule in experiments, the effects mimicked alcohol-induced pancreatitis, complete with inflammation, lesions, and cancer.

The breakthrough? By disabling a gene called <span>CREB</span>, the scientists stopped both precancerous and cancerous lesions from forming. In other words, CREB seems to hold the keys to either the safe or self-destruct modes for your pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer kills over 9,000 people in the UK and more than 52,000 in the US every year. The five-year survival rate? About 10 to 12 per cent, among the lowest of any cancer. To make matters worse, cases are rising among younger people, though deaths have not yet spiked.

<strong>What makes this cancer so deadly is its silence. Symptoms rarely appear until it has already spread, and by then, treatment options are limited.</strong>

<h3>The stealthy symptoms you should not ignore</h3>

<ul><li>Belly pain that radiates to your back</li><li>Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite</li><li><span rel="noindex">Jaundice</span> (yellowing of the skin and eyes)</li><li>Pale or floating stools, dark urine, and itching</li><li>New or worsening <span rel="noindex">diabetes</span></li><li>Fatigue or weakness</li></ul>

By the time these appear, the disease is often in an advanced stage, which is why prevention is key.

<h3>Defining ‘<span rel="noindex">heavy drinking</span>’</h3>

The study defined heavy alcohol use as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. Over months and years, that adds up to a consistent assault on your pancreas.

<h3>Complications that make life harder</h3>

Pancreatic cancer isn’t just fatal; it can also cause a series of painful, exhausting complications:

<ul><li>Weight loss as the body struggles to absorb nutrients</li><li>Blocked bile ducts leading to jaundice</li><li>Abdominal pain from tumors pressing on nerves</li><li>Bowel obstructions</li><li>Painful swelling in the limbs due to blood clots</li></ul>

Reportedly, managing these often requires procedures like stent placements or even nerve-block injections, adding more physical and emotional strain to an already heavy burden.

<ul><li>Cut back on alcohol: You do not need to go teetotal overnight, but trimming down your weekly intake could protect your pancreas.</li><li>Quit smoking: Tobacco and alcohol together are really bad.</li><li>Maintain a healthy weight: Extra body fat increases inflammation and strains your pancreas.</li><li>Eat for your pancreas: Load your plate with vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and keep processed foods to a minimum.</li><li>Stay active: Exercise helps manage weight and lowers inflammation.</li></ul>

pancreatic cancer

deadliest cancers

pancreas

most lethal cancers in the world

alcohol consumption

gene called Ras

CREB

A new study from scientists in Miami has raised a big red flag saying that heavy alcohol consumption does not just damage your liver; it could also be quietly harming your pancreas and paving the way to one of the most lethal cancers in the world. While nobody talks much about this organ, it keeps your show running. Sitting behind the stomach, the pancreas organ produces the digestive enzymes that help you break down food, as well as the hormones that regulate your blood sugar. The fresh study, published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, sheds new light on how alcohol-induced inflammation accelerates the development of the deadly disease. The Miami researchers discovered that alcohol, in high quantities, can damage the very pancreatic cells that make those enzymes. This injury sparks inflammation that can smoulder away until it creates precancerous lesions. Left unchecked, these can evolve into pancreatic cancer, a disease with a grim reputation.A gene that could save the dayNot everyone who enjoys a tipple is destined for cancer. For the disease to develop, researchers found that a mutation in a gene called Ras, which controls cell growth, must also be present. But when alcohol was paired with a pro-inflammatory molecule in experiments, the effects mimicked alcohol-induced pancreatitis, complete with inflammation, lesions, and cancer.The breakthrough? By disabling a gene called CREB, the scientists stopped both precancerous and cancerous lesions from forming. In other words, CREB seems to hold the keys to either the safe or self-destruct modes for your pancreas.Why this matters more nowPancreatic cancer kills over 9,000 people in the UK and more than 52,000 in the US every year. The five-year survival rate? About 10 to 12 per cent, among the lowest of any cancer. To make matters worse, cases are rising among younger people, though deaths have not yet spiked.What makes this cancer so deadly is its silence. Symptoms rarely appear until it has already spread, and by then, treatment options are limited.The stealthy symptoms you should not ignoreBelly pain that radiates to your backUnexplained weight loss and loss of appetiteJaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)Pale or floating stools, dark urine, and itchingNew or worsening diabetesFatigue or weaknessBy the time these appear, the disease is often in an advanced stage, which is why prevention is key.Defining ‘heavy drinking’The study defined heavy alcohol use as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. Over months and years, that adds up to a consistent assault on your pancreas.Complications that make life harderPancreatic cancer isn’t just fatal; it can also cause a series of painful, exhausting complications:Weight loss as the body struggles to absorb nutrientsBlocked bile ducts leading to jaundiceAbdominal pain from tumors pressing on nervesBowel obstructionsPainful swelling in the limbs due to blood clotsReportedly, managing these often requires procedures like stent placements or even nerve-block injections, adding more physical and emotional strain to an already heavy burden.How to reduce the risk Cut back on alcohol: You do not need to go teetotal overnight, but trimming down your weekly intake could protect your pancreas.Quit smoking: Tobacco and alcohol together are really bad.Maintain a healthy weight: Extra body fat increases inflammation and strains your pancreas.Eat for your pancreas: Load your plate with vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and keep processed foods to a minimum.Stay active: Exercise helps manage weight and lowers inflammation.

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