healthliberal

COVID's Lingering Effects: A Hidden Crisis

USATuesday, January 27, 2026
Advertisement

Pandemic Over, but Health Risks Remain

Despite officials declaring the pandemic over, COVID-19 continues to pose long-term health risks, even in mild cases. New research reveals alarming consequences, while policies are being rolled back and vaccine access is being restricted.

Long-Term Health Effects

  • Children at Risk: The virus can cause developmental issues like autism and delayed speech.
  • Brain Aging: COVID-19 may accelerate brain aging and reactivate cancer cells.
  • Cognitive Decline: Brain inflammation from the virus can lead to memory problems and cognitive decline.
  • Heart and Blood Clots: The virus increases the risk of heart problems and blood clots.

Economic and Social Impact

Experts warn that long-term effects could have massive economic and social consequences, with global treatment costs estimated in the trillions.

Long COVID: A Persistent Challenge

Many individuals continue to battle long COVID, experiencing:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Lifestyle changes or job loss

Government Response

Despite these risks, the government is:

  • Cutting funding for COVID research and vaccines
  • Restricting vaccine access

Experts emphasize the urgent need for more research to understand and treat these long-term effects.

Actions