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long covid

Title: Microclots and NETs Linked to Long Covid in New Study

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 13, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Long COVID Mystery Deepens: Scientists Discover Unusual Blood Clots Linked to Chronic‌ Symptoms

By Dr. Michael Lee, World-Today-News.com – November 21, 2024

Cape town, South Africa – A‌ groundbreaking new study⁣ is shedding light on the persistent and debilitating symptoms of Long COVID, revealing a potential link to‌ unusual microscopic⁤ structures found ⁣in⁤ the blood ⁤of affected⁤ patients.Researchers at⁢ Stellenbosch University have discovered that individuals with Long COVID exhibit considerably higher levels of both microclots – tiny blood clots – and web-like structures called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This finding could pave the way for improved diagnostics and, crucially, potential new therapies for this increasingly prevalent condition.

For millions ⁤worldwide, the aftermath of a COVID-19 infection extends far beyond the initial illness.⁤ Long COVID, characterized by ⁢a diverse range of ⁣symptoms including⁤ chronic fatigue, brain fog,⁣ and shortness of breath, has ⁣proven‌ a frustratingly complex medical challenge. While theories abound regarding⁤ its ⁢causes – ranging from viral persistence to immune dysfunction – a clear biological⁤ mechanism has ‍remained elusive.

This new research, published last month in The Journal of medical Virology, suggests a critical piece of the puzzle⁢ may ⁤lie within the circulatory system. The Stellenbosch team,led by [researcher names not provided in source],compared⁢ blood samples from 50 individuals diagnosed with Long COVID to a control group of healthy participants.

The⁣ results were striking. Long⁢ COVID patients displayed elevated biomarkers associated ⁣with both NETs and microclots. furthermore, the microclots ⁤observed in Long COVID‍ patients⁤ were not only larger on average, but ‍also appeared to be physically connected to NETs.

What⁤ are NETs and Microclots?

NETs are produced by neutrophils, a type of immune cell, as a defense⁤ mechanism⁢ to ⁤trap and neutralize ⁢pathogens like bacteria and viruses. While essential ‌for ‍fighting infection, an overabundance of NETs can contribute to harmful inflammation ‍and perhaps damage healthy tissues.

Microclots, as the ⁢name suggests, are minuscule blood clots that ⁤can impede blood flow and disrupt oxygen delivery to vital organs. Previous research has already indicated a higher prevalence of these microclots in Long COVID patients.

The Connection: A Vicious Cycle?

The Stellenbosch ‌study ‍proposes a compelling hypothesis: NETs may be stabilizing the microclots, preventing the body from clearing⁢ them.This could explain ⁢why symptoms⁢ persist for months, even years,⁣ after ⁣the initial⁢ COVID-19 infection.

“Our findings present a critically important advancement in the‍ understanding of the ⁣interactions between NETs⁣ and microclots in long covid,” ⁢the researchers wrote.Essentially,the NETs might be shielding the microclots from the ⁤body’s natural clot-busting mechanisms,creating a vicious cycle ⁤of inflammation and impaired circulation.

Implications for⁢ Diagnosis and Treatment

this research offers a potential pathway towards more accurate⁤ diagnosis of long COVID.Identifying elevated levels of NETs and microclots could provide a⁤ measurable biomarker for the condition, helping⁣ to⁢ differentiate it⁢ from other illnesses ⁢with similar symptoms.

More importantly, understanding this underlying mechanism‌ opens doors to targeted therapies. Future research will likely focus on⁢ strategies⁣ to safely break down NETs and microclots, potentially alleviating the chronic symptoms that plague Long COVID⁣ sufferers.

Stay tuned to World-Today-News.com for⁤ further updates ⁢on this developing ⁣story.

Keywords: Long COVID, Microclots, NETs,⁣ Neutrophil extracellular Traps, Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Inflammation, Blood Clots, Stellenbosch University, Medical Research, COVID-19 Aftermath, Chronic Illness.

November 13, 2025 0 comments

Health

Did COVID almost kill Stephen Colbert in 2023?

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 8, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Stephen Colbert Reveals Severe COVID-19 Battle,⁢ Faced Potential Long-Term Neurological Impact

NEW YORK – Stephen ‍Colbert disclosed in a deeply personal monologue delivered on The Late show this week that he contracted COVID-19 in April 2023 and experienced a debilitating illness that left him questioning his cognitive‌ abilities⁤ and even his sense of self. The comedian and host revealed the‍ extent‌ of his symptoms, which included severe fatigue, ⁣loss of sensation, and alarming memory lapses, prompting fears of lasting neurological damage.

Colbert’s experience underscores the continued threat posed by COVID-19, even with widespread vaccination ‌and evolving variants. While the ‍initial acute ‌phase of the pandemic has subsided,⁣ long COVID and the potential for ⁢severe illness remain a concern, ⁤notably for individuals‍ with underlying health conditions. His openness about his struggle aims to ‍destigmatize the⁢ ongoing effects of the virus ‌and highlight the importance of continued vigilance and preventative measures. the revelation also offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a highly public figure, revealing vulnerability and the challenges of maintaining a persona while grappling with personal health crises.

The host explained that his initial symptoms were relatively mild, but ‍quickly escalated, leaving him bedridden⁣ for weeks. ⁢”I was not well,” Colbert stated, describing a period of intense physical and mental ⁢exhaustion. He detailed experiencing a loss ⁢of sensation in his legs and,more disturbingly,cognitive ⁣difficulties that impacted his ability to recall details and even perform his job. “Sometimes‍ I feel… like ‌I’m doing an ⁤impression of myself doing⁣ an impression of me,” he confessed, hinting⁢ at⁤ a disconnect between‌ his public persona⁢ and his⁣ internal experience.

Colbert’s monologue, punctuated by bracketed⁣ asides that ⁣mirrored his internal anxieties, revealed his fear that his cognitive‍ decline might ‍permanently alter his ability ⁢to host The Late Show. He expressed concern that the⁢ part of his brain that fueled his on-air confidence was ⁣”getting louder to cover for the part that⁢ can’t remember why.” He ⁢even preemptively asked the audience to refrain from applause ⁢if ‌he faltered during a⁤ performance‌ and instead to address him by his‌ name, hoping to jolt him back to awareness.

Medical professionals ⁢have noted that neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment, are increasingly recognized as potential long-term effects of COVID-19.The virus ‍can ⁢directly impact the brain,causing inflammation and disrupting neural pathways. While Colbert did not disclose specific medical diagnoses, his description of his symptoms aligns with reported experiences of long COVID ⁣patients.

Despite the severity of his illness, Colbert assured viewers that he is now recovering, though he acknowledged the lingering uncertainty.‌ He concluded his monologue with a defiant declaration of a “new normal,” emphasizing resilience and the human capacity to adapt. “COVID doesn’t change who we are-it just helps us forget who that was,” he stated, a sentiment that resonated with many who have experienced the lasting impact of the pandemic.

November 8, 2025 0 comments

Health

Covid experts advise wearing masks again just three years after pandemic ended

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor October 7, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

COVID-19 Cases Rise in UK, Driven by New ‘Stratus‘ Variant – Experts Suggest⁣ Masking

London – A new⁢ variant of COVID-19, dubbed “Stratus” (with sub-variants XFG and ⁢XFG.3), is driving‌ a recent increase in cases across the United ⁢kingdom, prompting health officials to suggest a return to mask-wearing three years after the official end of the pandemic.

Data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a significant uptick ⁢in cases beginning ‍October 3.The week ‌leading up to⁣ September 24 ⁤saw 2,459 newly confirmed cases, a‌ 7.6 percent increase ‍compared ⁢to the previous week as of September ⁢10.

The Stratus variant is characterized by a perhaps severe hoarse voice, in addition to typical symptoms ‌like fever ⁣and fatigue.Though,experts emphasize that current data indicates‍ the variant is not more deadly⁣ than other circulating strains and that existing vaccines remain ⁢effective.

“Based on the available facts so far, there is no evidence to suggest ‌that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants,or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective⁢ against ⁢them,”⁤ stated Dr.Allen of the UKHSA.

The world Health Organisation (WHO) has also assessed the XFG strand as posing a “low risk” globally,‌ noting‍ it exhibits only “marginal additional ⁣immune evasion” compared to other ‌variants. ‌While increases in ‍cases and ⁣hospitalizations have been ‌reported in some Southeast Asian countries with a high proportion ⁢of XFG, the WHO has found no evidence of increased disease severity.

“While there are reported ⁤increases in cases and hospitalisations in some of⁤ the [southeast Asia region] countries, which has ⁢the highest proportion of XFG, there ‍are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as ‌compared to other circulating variants,” the WHO stated. “The available⁢ evidence on ‍XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages.”

October 7, 2025 0 comments

Health

Covid Stratus symptoms warning as sign of infection includes subtle change in your throat

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor October 4, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Covid⁣ rates in ⁢the UK have doubled in the last four weeks, prompting health officials to issue a warning about⁢ symptoms of the ⁢latest variant, ‍Stratus. Dr. Khan recommends early testing, particularly for those vulnerable or immunocompromised, as antiviral treatments are most effective when⁤ administered early in the infection.

He explains: “With ‌Covid, you can⁤ get antivirals, but this will only be‍ beneficial if you get tested ‍really early.if you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing ‍can provide information to your GP and they ‌can consider⁣ antiviral ⁣medication.”

The⁤ UK ⁣Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging peopel to get vaccinated against covid, flu, and RSV ‌(respiratory syncytial virus) as cases increase ahead of ‌winter. People over 75 are eligible for a free Covid⁤ vaccine on the NHS, which the UKHSA says offers good protection, even against new variants.

“It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data⁢ becomes available on these variants, we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to ‍optimise our protection, and also actions we can take ‍to keep the most vulnerable‍ safe and live our lives as normally as possible,” the UKHSA stated. “The most critically important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is indeed due.”

October 4, 2025 0 comments

Health

Food Insecurity and Long COVID: A New Link Revealed

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 17, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

New Study Links Food Insecurity to Higher Long ‌COVID Risk, Highlights Role ⁣of SNAP

A recent study published ‌in JAMA Network Open reveals ⁤a notable association between food insecurity and both the development and prolonged experience of long COVID in U.S. adults. Researchers found individuals experiencing food ⁢insecurity had a 2.46⁤ times higher odds of ⁣currently having long COVID, even after adjusting for other contributing ⁢factors.

The research, analyzing data from 2022-2023, involved 33,483 participants, of whom⁤ 13,659 were⁤ food insecure ⁣and ⁢19,824 were food secure. Among those with food⁤ insecurity,567 participated in⁢ SNAP. the adjusted odds ratio for‌ long COVID in food-insecure individuals was 1.73. Furthermore, food insecurity was linked to a decreased likelihood of recovery from long COVID (OR, 0.70).

Notably,‍ the⁣ association between food insecurity and current long COVID disappeared‌ among individuals receiving SNAP benefits or those who were ⁢unemployed. However, a strong link ‌remained for long COVID patients not receiving SNAP (aOR, 2.04) and unemployed individuals (aOR, 2.32), underscoring ⁤the protective effect of food assistance programs.

Investigators suggest that inadequate nutrient intake due to food insecurity may worsen‍ or contribute to long COVID symptoms, while⁤ the financial strain of long COVID can exacerbate food insecurity.‍

Pharmacists are uniquely ⁣positioned to identify patients at risk due to‌ food insecurity, especially those facing unemployment or financial hardship, and can facilitate access to resources like SNAP. “Expanding SNAP eligibility,simplifying enrollment,and increasing awareness are critical to ⁣addressing food insecurity and its health impacts,” the study authors concluded. “Our findings underscore the importance ‍of closing such gaps for long COVID and add to the mounting evidence for the role of food insecurity in chronic disease prevention and management.”

The study was authored‍ by Lin JC, McCarthy M, Potluri S, et al., and published September 2025.

September 17, 2025 0 comments

World

COVID-19 Vaccine Access Challenges: What You Need to Know

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 14, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Face Coverage Uncertainty ⁢as Rollout Begins

September 14,2024 – As updated COVID-19 vaccines become available,a meaningful hurdle remains for manny Americans: unclear insurance coverage. The Advisory Committee ⁣on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not yet met to discuss recommendations,‍ and the Centers for Disease Control and ⁣Prevention (CDC) hasn’t issued specific guidance, leaving individuals unsure of thier out-of-pocket ⁢costs.

this uncertainty arrives ahead of what public health experts anticipate will be the typical yearly COVID-19‌ surge, historically beginning in November. Experts estimate it takes approximately‍ two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build sufficient protection⁢ against the latest variants.Therefore, vaccination⁢ in mid-to-late October could offer maximal defense during the⁣ anticipated winter wave.

To navigate this complex situation, individuals are advised to ‌proactively contact their⁣ healthcare provider⁢ or local health department. These sources can provide clarity on specific coverage details, necessary prescriptions, and required ⁤documentation. Due to ongoing⁢ changes within ‍public health infrastructure, including layoffs‌ and budget cuts, procedures can⁣ vary substantially by location.

It’s crucial to remember that the COVID-19 vaccine is not a foolproof shield against infection. As previously emphasized,and drawing on an analogy from Ian M. Mackay, phd, a scientist and adjunct Associate ‌Professor at the University of Queensland, the vaccine functions more like a slice of Swiss cheese – offering protection, but with inherent gaps. “The COVID-19 vaccine has got its weaknesses, its gaps, its holes,” Mackay⁣ explained, as‍ reported in Forbes in December 2022.

Therefore, ‍a layered ‍approach to protection is recommended. This includes ensuring good ventilation with purified air, wearing high-quality face masks indoors in crowded spaces, frequent and thorough handwashing, regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces,⁣ maintaining reasonable ⁤physical distance, and staying up-to-date ⁤on vaccinations.The vaccine primarily reduces the risk of severe outcomes if ⁣infection⁤ occurs, but multiple preventative measures offer the most robust defense.

September 14, 2025 0 comments

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