Severe COVID-19 May Wake Hidden Viruses, Study Shows

A Nature study of 1,154 hospitalized COVID-19 patients across the U.S. and Canada found 11 dormant viruses reactivated within 40 days of admission, including herpes viruses (Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus) and Anelloviridae; reactivation appeared linked to inflammation and severe illness, with Anelloviridae reactivation associated with long‑term disability and long COVID, though causality is not proven. The findings may inform future diagnostics and treatments, but applicability to milder cases remains uncertain.