Covid Infection Linked to Accelerated Arterial Aging, New Research Suggests
London – Emerging evidence indicates that even mild covid-19 infection can accelerate the aging of arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, prompting health officials to urge eligible individuals to receive updated booster vaccinations.
A Swedish study,among others,has highlighted a connection between Covid-19 and potentially life-threatening blood clots.deep vein thromboses – typically affecting the calf – and pulmonary emboli (when a clot lodges in the lung) are at least five times more common in the weeks and months following infection. While vaccines can,rarely,cause short-term heart issues like myocarditis,studies demonstrate considerably lower rates of heart attack,stroke,and blood clots – alongside fewer cases of long Covid – in vaccinated individuals compared to those unvaccinated.
The impact extends beyond acute risks. Loss of smell and taste, experienced by some even after repeat infections, can persist, impacting quality of life. While vaccination doesn’t appear to restore these senses once lost, it demonstrably reduces the likelihood of more serious complications.
Current vaccines and boosters are expected to remain effective against newly identified variants XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), which have recently been detected in the UK but do not currently appear to pose a greater threat than previous strains.
The autumn Covid-19 booster is currently available to those aged 75 or over (including those turning 75 by the end of January 2026), individuals aged 6 months or more with weakened immune systems due to health conditions or treatment, and residents of care homes for older adults. Appointments can be booked via the NHS website:
