Overall, 57% of participants had evidence on PET/MRI of inflammation affecting the heart or lungs.
Plaque growth can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular events for as long as 1 year.
Post-exertional malaise, or exercise intolerance, was seen in 36% of those with long COVID.
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The study was based on information gleaned from the UK Biobank, which included health information on 151,200 adults.
Vaccinated participants tended to overestimate their past risk perceptions and trust in science, while unvaccinated respondents underestimated them.
On the third day of illness, 19% of participants worked remotely during the pandemic, compared with 9% before.
Americans who report having experienced long COVID said they also experienced more anxiety, low mood, and difficulty with memory.
There was no difference in respondents' general health status or improved mental health.
COVID-related hospitalizations are up a bit, flu-like illness is climbing, and officials confirm more avian flu outbreaks on poultry farms in 5 states.
In the first pandemic year, executive function and working memory were significantly worse across the cohort.
Respondents aged 18 to 34 had the highest rate of mental illness in 2023, at 50%.
The proportion of respondents who believe in the safety of vaccines fell from 77% in April 2021 to 71% in fall 2023.
Rates of Caesarean section and preterm births were also significantly lower for the group taking Paxlovid.
