In this episode of the COVID Longhaulers Podcast, Rush and Emerson take a deep dive into the lesser-known but deeply concerning reality of the invisible damage caused by COVID-19 infections – even in people who seem to recover fully from a mild case.

Based on emerging research and their personal experiences, Rush and Emerson look at how the virus infiltrates the body, spreads through multiple organ systems, and leaves behind silent, often permanent impacts. They discuss the mechanisms of this damage – viral persistence and chronic inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 – which explain the wide range of serious health effects that can follow even mild infections, including cognitive decline, immune system disruption, cardiovascular issues, reproductive problems, and a growing concern around increased cancer risk.

Whether you're navigating life with Long Covid or simply trying to make sense of the long-term risks, this conversation offers important insights into why it’s still necessary to take COVID precautions seriously. Because as researcher David Putrino said: “There’s no such thing as a COVID infection without consequence.”

You can find a written version of this episode with our sources on substack, here. 

The transcript is available here. 

And you can view our glossary here. 

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Please note, that the information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have health related issues or believe that you are suffering from Long Covid, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice and treatment you need. We will not be liable for any direct, indirect or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.