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| Boilerpipe Text | New research reveals that even mild respiratory infections can leave lasting biological changes. However, COVID-19 stands apart, with unique effects on the brain that may help explain long COVID. Credit: Shutterstock
A new study suggests that recovery from
COVID-19
may not end when respiratory symptoms fade.
A mild bout of COVID-19 or influenza may have effects that continue long after obvious symptoms such as fever and coughing disappear. New research from
Tulane University
suggests these hidden changes could help explain why some people do not feel fully recovered for weeks or even months.
The research team found that both viruses can cause lasting damage in the lungs. However, only infection with
SARS-CoV-2
was linked to ongoing inflammation in the brain and injury to tiny blood vessels, even after the
virus
could no longer be detected. The study, published in
Frontiers in Immunology
, offers insight into why long COVID is often marked by brain-related symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and mood changes, while influenza is more frequently associated with breathing problems.
āInfluenza and COVID-19 affect large populations worldwide and carry a significant public health toll, yet the mechanisms behind their long-term effects remain poorly understood,ā said Dr. Xuebin Qin, lead author and professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center.
Comparing the Lingering Effects of Two Viruses
To determine which aftereffects are shared by serious respiratory infections and which are specific to COVID-19, the scientists used a mouse model. They analyzed lung and brain tissue after the infections had fully cleared.
In lung tissue, the two viruses produced similar long-term patterns. Immune cells remained active instead of returning to a resting state, and collagen levels increased. Collagen is a structural protein linked to scar formation. Its buildup can stiffen lung tissue and make breathing more difficult. This may help explain why some people experience prolonged shortness of breath after respiratory illnesses.
A closer look revealed an important difference. After influenza infection, the lungs appeared to begin a structured repair process. Specialized cells moved into damaged regions to rebuild the airway lining. This recovery response was largely absent following SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that COVID-19 may disrupt the lungsā ability to heal properly.
Persistent Brain Changes After COVID-19
The most striking differences appeared in the brain.
Neither virus was detected in brain tissue. However, mice that had recovered from COVID-19 showed signs of ongoing brain inflammation weeks later. Researchers also observed small areas of bleeding. An analysis of gene activity showed continued inflammatory signaling and disturbances in pathways that regulate
serotonin
and
dopamine
, which play key roles in mood, thinking, and energy. These changes were mostly absent in animals that had influenza.
āIn both infections, we observed lasting lung injury,ā Qin said. āBut long-term effects in the brain were unique to SARS-CoV-2. That distinction is critical to understanding long COVID.ā
The study was supported by an
American Heart Association award
Qin received as part of a national effort to understand the long-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects of COVID-19. The results provide new evidence that changes in blood vessels and immune responses may contribute to ongoing neurological symptoms.
By identifying these biological patterns, the researchers hope to improve how patients are monitored after infection and guide the development of treatments that could limit lasting harm. As persistent symptoms continue to affect many people, clarifying the underlying causes remains essential to reducing the long-term health impact.
Reference: āCharacterization of subchronic lung and brain consequences caused by mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A infection of C57BL6 miceā by Joshua Currey, Chenxiao Wang, Meredith G. Mayer, Yilin Chen, Ana Karina Nisperuza Vidal, Michaela J. Allen, Mst Shamima Khatun, Calder R. Ellsworth, Mohammad Islamuddin, Jefferson Evangelista, Skye M. Minor, Nadia Golden, Kevin J. Zwezdaryk, Nicholas J. Maness, Robert V. Blair, Jay K. Kolls, Derek A. Pociask, Tracy Fischer and Xuebin Qin, 23 January 2026,
Frontiers in Immunology
.
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1755141
This research was supported by the American Heart Association Long COVID Impact Project (AHA962950), the
National Institutes of Health
, including P51OD011104-62 and R01HL165265, and institutional funding.
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Join the SciTechDaily newsletter.
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[Home](https://scitechdaily.com/)»[Health](https://scitechdaily.com/news/health/)»Even Mild COVID-19 Can Leave Lasting Brain Damage, Study Finds
[Health](https://scitechdaily.com/news/health/)
# Even Mild COVID-19 Can Leave Lasting Brain Damage, Study Finds
By Tulane University
March 3, 2026
[6 Comments](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comments)4 Mins Read
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New research reveals that even mild respiratory infections can leave lasting biological changes. However, COVID-19 stands apart, with unique effects on the brain that may help explain long COVID. Credit: Shutterstock
### A new study suggests that recovery from COVID-19 may not end when respiratory symptoms fade.
A mild bout of COVID-19 or influenza may have effects that continue long after obvious symptoms such as fever and coughing disappear. New research from [Tulane University](https://scitechdaily.com/tag/tulane-university/) suggests these hidden changes could help explain why some people do not feel fully recovered for weeks or even months.
The research team found that both viruses can cause lasting damage in the lungs. However, only infection with SARS-CoV-2 was linked to ongoing inflammation in the brain and injury to tiny blood vessels, even after the virus could no longer be detected. The study, published in *Frontiers in Immunology*, offers insight into why long COVID is often marked by brain-related symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and mood changes, while influenza is more frequently associated with breathing problems.
āInfluenza and COVID-19 affect large populations worldwide and carry a significant public health toll, yet the mechanisms behind their long-term effects remain poorly understood,ā said Dr. Xuebin Qin, lead author and professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center.
#### Comparing the Lingering Effects of Two Viruses
To determine which aftereffects are shared by serious respiratory infections and which are specific to COVID-19, the scientists used a mouse model. They analyzed lung and brain tissue after the infections had fully cleared.
In lung tissue, the two viruses produced similar long-term patterns. Immune cells remained active instead of returning to a resting state, and collagen levels increased. Collagen is a structural protein linked to scar formation. Its buildup can stiffen lung tissue and make breathing more difficult. This may help explain why some people experience prolonged shortness of breath after respiratory illnesses.
A closer look revealed an important difference. After influenza infection, the lungs appeared to begin a structured repair process. Specialized cells moved into damaged regions to rebuild the airway lining. This recovery response was largely absent following SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that COVID-19 may disrupt the lungsā ability to heal properly.
#### Persistent Brain Changes After COVID-19
The most striking differences appeared in the brain.
Neither virus was detected in brain tissue. However, mice that had recovered from COVID-19 showed signs of ongoing brain inflammation weeks later. Researchers also observed small areas of bleeding. An analysis of gene activity showed continued inflammatory signaling and disturbances in pathways that regulate serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in mood, thinking, and energy. These changes were mostly absent in animals that had influenza.
āIn both infections, we observed lasting lung injury,ā Qin said. āBut long-term effects in the brain were unique to SARS-CoV-2. That distinction is critical to understanding long COVID.ā
The study was supported by an [American Heart Association award](https://medicine.tulane.edu/news/tulane-researchers-receive-american-heart-association-grant-study-covid%E2%80%99s-vascular-effects) Qin received as part of a national effort to understand the long-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects of COVID-19. The results provide new evidence that changes in blood vessels and immune responses may contribute to ongoing neurological symptoms.
By identifying these biological patterns, the researchers hope to improve how patients are monitored after infection and guide the development of treatments that could limit lasting harm. As persistent symptoms continue to affect many people, clarifying the underlying causes remains essential to reducing the long-term health impact.
Reference: āCharacterization of subchronic lung and brain consequences caused by mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A infection of C57BL6 miceā by Joshua Currey, Chenxiao Wang, Meredith G. Mayer, Yilin Chen, Ana Karina Nisperuza Vidal, Michaela J. Allen, Mst Shamima Khatun, Calder R. Ellsworth, Mohammad Islamuddin, Jefferson Evangelista, Skye M. Minor, Nadia Golden, Kevin J. Zwezdaryk, Nicholas J. Maness, Robert V. Blair, Jay K. Kolls, Derek A. Pociask, Tracy Fischer and Xuebin Qin, 23 January 2026, *Frontiers in Immunology*.
[DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1755141](https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1755141)
This research was supported by the American Heart Association Long COVID Impact Project (AHA962950), the National Institutes of Health, including P51OD011104-62 and R01HL165265, and institutional funding.
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#### 6 Comments
1. 
Jojo on
[March 3, 2026 12:17 pm](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comment-976240 "March 3, 2026 at 12:17 pm")
But only SOME people are affected this way. I never took the Covid shots, had Covid twice and fully recovered w/o any after effects.
These researchers need to find out what causes some to suffer more than others.
[Reply](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/?replytocom=976240#respond)
2. 
Keith Kinsmore on
[March 3, 2026 1:09 pm](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comment-976259 "March 3, 2026 at 1:09 pm")
Covid19 resulting from isocyanate poisioning, destroying oxygen salts just the beginning, toxicity destroying oxygen internally and atmospherically no exceptions.
[Reply](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/?replytocom=976259#respond)
3. 
Boba on
[March 4, 2026 1:28 am](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comment-976517 "March 4, 2026 at 1:28 am")
Well, covid sure made a lot of people fascists, soā¦
[Reply](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/?replytocom=976517#respond)
4. 
Eric M. Jones on
[March 4, 2026 7:16 am](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comment-976583 "March 4, 2026 at 7:16 am")
So many people avoided the vaccines and voted for Trump. Coincidence? Maybe not.
[Reply](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/?replytocom=976583#respond)
- 
TJ on
[March 11, 2026 8:31 am](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comment-981340 "March 11, 2026 at 8:31 am")
Just keep taking your boosters and everything will be okay š
[Reply](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/?replytocom=981340#respond)
5. 
TJ on
[March 11, 2026 8:31 am](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/#comment-981339 "March 11, 2026 at 8:31 am")
Just keep taking your boosters and everything will be okay š
[Reply](https://scitechdaily.com/even-mild-covid-19-can-leave-lasting-brain-damage-study-finds/?replytocom=981339#respond)
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| Readable Markdown | [](https://scitechdaily.com/images/Senior-Man-COVID-Face-Mask-Coronavirus-Paritcles.jpg)
New research reveals that even mild respiratory infections can leave lasting biological changes. However, COVID-19 stands apart, with unique effects on the brain that may help explain long COVID. Credit: Shutterstock
### A new study suggests that recovery from COVID-19 may not end when respiratory symptoms fade.
A mild bout of COVID-19 or influenza may have effects that continue long after obvious symptoms such as fever and coughing disappear. New research from [Tulane University](https://scitechdaily.com/tag/tulane-university/) suggests these hidden changes could help explain why some people do not feel fully recovered for weeks or even months.
The research team found that both viruses can cause lasting damage in the lungs. However, only infection with SARS-CoV-2 was linked to ongoing inflammation in the brain and injury to tiny blood vessels, even after the virus could no longer be detected. The study, published in *Frontiers in Immunology*, offers insight into why long COVID is often marked by brain-related symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and mood changes, while influenza is more frequently associated with breathing problems.
āInfluenza and COVID-19 affect large populations worldwide and carry a significant public health toll, yet the mechanisms behind their long-term effects remain poorly understood,ā said Dr. Xuebin Qin, lead author and professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center.
#### Comparing the Lingering Effects of Two Viruses
To determine which aftereffects are shared by serious respiratory infections and which are specific to COVID-19, the scientists used a mouse model. They analyzed lung and brain tissue after the infections had fully cleared.
In lung tissue, the two viruses produced similar long-term patterns. Immune cells remained active instead of returning to a resting state, and collagen levels increased. Collagen is a structural protein linked to scar formation. Its buildup can stiffen lung tissue and make breathing more difficult. This may help explain why some people experience prolonged shortness of breath after respiratory illnesses.
A closer look revealed an important difference. After influenza infection, the lungs appeared to begin a structured repair process. Specialized cells moved into damaged regions to rebuild the airway lining. This recovery response was largely absent following SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that COVID-19 may disrupt the lungsā ability to heal properly.
#### Persistent Brain Changes After COVID-19
The most striking differences appeared in the brain.
Neither virus was detected in brain tissue. However, mice that had recovered from COVID-19 showed signs of ongoing brain inflammation weeks later. Researchers also observed small areas of bleeding. An analysis of gene activity showed continued inflammatory signaling and disturbances in pathways that regulate serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in mood, thinking, and energy. These changes were mostly absent in animals that had influenza.
āIn both infections, we observed lasting lung injury,ā Qin said. āBut long-term effects in the brain were unique to SARS-CoV-2. That distinction is critical to understanding long COVID.ā
The study was supported by an [American Heart Association award](https://medicine.tulane.edu/news/tulane-researchers-receive-american-heart-association-grant-study-covid%E2%80%99s-vascular-effects) Qin received as part of a national effort to understand the long-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects of COVID-19. The results provide new evidence that changes in blood vessels and immune responses may contribute to ongoing neurological symptoms.
By identifying these biological patterns, the researchers hope to improve how patients are monitored after infection and guide the development of treatments that could limit lasting harm. As persistent symptoms continue to affect many people, clarifying the underlying causes remains essential to reducing the long-term health impact.
Reference: āCharacterization of subchronic lung and brain consequences caused by mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A infection of C57BL6 miceā by Joshua Currey, Chenxiao Wang, Meredith G. Mayer, Yilin Chen, Ana Karina Nisperuza Vidal, Michaela J. Allen, Mst Shamima Khatun, Calder R. Ellsworth, Mohammad Islamuddin, Jefferson Evangelista, Skye M. Minor, Nadia Golden, Kevin J. Zwezdaryk, Nicholas J. Maness, Robert V. Blair, Jay K. Kolls, Derek A. Pociask, Tracy Fischer and Xuebin Qin, 23 January 2026, *Frontiers in Immunology*.
[DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1755141](https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1755141)
This research was supported by the American Heart Association Long COVID Impact Project (AHA962950), the National Institutes of Health, including P51OD011104-62 and R01HL165265, and institutional funding.
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