Two new studies from UCSF found that SARS-CoV-2 antigens can persist in the body long after the acute phase of COVID-19, up to 14 months in blood and over two years in tissue samples. The presence of viral fragments in tissues, even without reinfection, may contribute to conditions like Long COVID. Hospitalized individuals and those with more severe symptoms were more likely to have detectable antigens. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings, including potential risks like heart attack and stroke. The studies highlight the need for continued investigation into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the body.
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