A new study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein can spread from infected to uninfected cells, triggering an immune response that mistakenly targets healthy cells. The research identifies how this viral protein binds to cell surfaces and shows that enoxaparin, a common anticoagulant, can block this harmful interaction, pointing to a potential avenue for treatment. These findings shed light on the mechanisms behind severe COVID-19 complications and immune-driven tissue damage.

People with COVID-like symptoms returned to optimal physical well-being an average of three months after infection, but took up to nine months to return to top mental well-being.  One year after infection about 20% of study participants continued to experience overall suboptimal health-related quality of life.