Could dormant viruses help explain long covid? : Shortwave: NPR


Abstract covid viruses surround the silhouette of a man standing alone on a blue background.

Most people contain latent viruses.

Mustafa Hacalaki/Getty Images


hide caption

Mustafa Hacalaki/Getty Images

Virtually every human being on Earth has a multitude of different types of viruses lying dormant in their bodies. These are remnants of past infections and are usually harmless. Unless they wake up, which can be triggered by extreme stress or something that seriously compromises the immune system. But now, thanks to a unique study of astronauts’ immune systems, scientists plan to expand their ideas about what can wake up our dormant viruses…and find out what it all has to do with long COVID.

If you liked this episode, check out our episodes on a universal flu vaccine and what scientists were wrong about covid.

Support public media with NPR+ and get perks on 25+ podcasts like this. The benefits of this show include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

Gn Health

Scroll to Top