Did getting COVID make people age faster on the inside?
Epigenetic patterns, accelerated biological aging, and enhanced epigenetic drift detected 6 months following COVID-19 infection: insights from a genome-wide DNA methylation study
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Even mild COVID cases show lasting epigenetic changes.
Many assume only severe cases cause long-term harm, but this study found changes regardless of initial severity—aligning with long-COVID reports in previously healthy people.
Practical Takeaways
Monitor your health closely after COVID, even if you felt fine initially.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Even mild COVID cases show lasting epigenetic changes.
Many assume only severe cases cause long-term harm, but this study found changes regardless of initial severity—aligning with long-COVID reports in previously healthy people.
Practical Takeaways
Monitor your health closely after COVID, even if you felt fine initially.
Publication
Journal
Clinical Epigenetics
Year
2024
Authors
L. Calzari, D. F. Dragani, L. Zanotti, Elvira Inglese, R. Danesi, Rebecca Cavagnola, Alberto Brusati, Francesco Ranucci, A. Di Blasio, L. Persani, I. Campi, Sara De Martino, A. Farsetti, V. Barbi, M. Gottardi Zamperla, G. N. Baldrighi, C. Gaetano, G. Parati, Davide Gentilini
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Claims (6)
Getting COVID might make your body age a little faster, even six months later — scientists saw signs of this when they looked at biological markers in people who had the virus.
Six months after getting COVID, some genes in the body start acting differently, and this change is linked to problems with blood sugar, blood vessels, and the immune system.
Six months after having COVID, some people show changes in how their genes are switched on or off — especially in genes linked to brain and immune function — which might help explain long-COVID symptoms.
If you had COVID about six months ago, your body might still show changes in how your genes are turned on or off—especially in areas linked to brain function and a brain chemical called glutamate—compared to people who never got infected.
People who had COVID-19 six months ago might have more random changes in their gene activity, which could mean their cells are aging faster or becoming less stable, possibly raising the risk for health problems down the line.