5 Things You Didn’t Know About COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2

More than five years since its emergence, COVID-19 continues to shape public health policies and scientific discoveries. While most people are familiar with the basics—transmission via respiratory droplets, the effectiveness of vaccines, and the benefits of rapid COVID testing—there are still many surprising aspects of SARS-CoV-2 that remain lesser known. Here are five critical and fascinating facts about COVID-19 and the virus behind it.

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1. SARS-CoV-2 Can Persist in the Body for Months

Although COVID-19 is primarily considered an acute respiratory illness, studies suggest that the virus can linger in certain tissues and organs long after the initial infection.

Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viral proteins were detected in the brain, lungs, and gut of patients up to 230 days post-infection (source).
This persistence is linked to long COVID, a condition affecting millions worldwide, with symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues.
Scientists are investigating whether viral reservoirs contribute to prolonged symptoms and how treatments like antiviral medications might reduce persistent infections.

2. COVID-19 Alters the Immune System for Months After Recovery

Even after recovering from COVID-19, the immune system remains altered, which may increase susceptibility to other infections.

A 2024 study published in Nature Immunology revealed that some individuals experience immune dysregulation for up to a year after COVID-19 infection (source).
This weakened immune response can lead to increased susceptibility to illnesses such as influenza and bacterial infections.
Some scientists believe this may explain why people who recently had COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe flu or RSV infections.

3. Reinfections Are More Common and Can Be Worse

While prior infection and vaccination provide some immunity, reinfections with SARS-CoV-2 are more common than many assume—and they can sometimes lead to worse outcomes.

A 2023 study from Washington University School of Medicine found that each reinfection increases the risk of hospitalization, cardiovascular issues, and neurological complications (source).
New variants, such as the Omicron sublineages JN.1 and XBB.1.16, continue to evolve, reducing the protection from prior infections and vaccines.
Experts recommend keeping up with booster doses and using rapid home tests to identify infections early, particularly before attending gatherings or visiting high-risk individuals.

4. COVID-19 Can Spread Before Symptoms Appear—And Even Without Symptoms

One of the biggest challenges in controlling COVID-19 is its ability to spread silently.

Studies show that at least 40 percent of SARS-CoV-2 transmissions occur from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals (source).
This is why COVID-19 spread so rapidly worldwide, as individuals unaware of their infection continued normal activities.
Regular testing with rapid home tests is essential for identifying infections early and reducing community spread.

5. COVID-19 Has Affected Global Life Expectancy

Beyond individual health impacts, COVID-19 has had a profound effect on global life expectancy.

A study published in The Lancet in 2024 found that life expectancy in some countries dropped by over three years, the largest recorded decline in decades (source).
In the United States, the average life expectancy fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 76.4 years in 2021 due to COVID-19-related deaths and the long-term effects of post-infection health complications.
While life expectancy is recovering in some regions, experts caution that lingering health effects and increased mortality from long COVID may continue to influence global demographics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our understanding of infectious diseases, immunity, and public health preparedness. From its ability to persist in the body to its long-term effects on global life expectancy, SARS-CoV-2 remains a virus with many unknowns.

As new variants emerge, staying informed, getting vaccinated, and using rapid COVID tests remain essential in reducing transmission and protecting vulnerable populations. Continued research into long COVID, immune responses, and reinfections will be critical in shaping future public health strategies and ensuring better preparedness for future pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19 facts, SARS-CoV-2, rapid testing, rapid home tests, virus transmission, long COVID, pandemic research, emerging variants, public health

February 6, 2025 Oceanit Education, General, History

Tags: COVID-19 facts Pandemic research SARS-CoV-2