National Geographic | A COVID-19 Special Report

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THE LATEST SCIENCE ON
HOW COVID HARMS YOUR BODY

More than three years after the pandemic began, scientists are still learning how this virus attacks our bodies, from our hearts to our brains—and even how we sleep. Here's the latest on what we know so far, including intriguing new insights into the mysteries of long COVID.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RECEP-BG, GETTY IMAGES

COVID-19 can ruin your sleep in many different ways—here's why

Nightmares. Days without sleep. Waking in a panic in the middle of the night. Sleeping for 18 hours a day. As COVID-19 swept through the global population, so too did reports of sleep disruptions both during an infection and in the weeks and months beyond. Here's what scientists are learning about the havoc that viruses and bacteria wreak on sleep.

HOW COVID ALTERS SLEEP

MICROGRAPH BY STEVE GSCHMEISSNER, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer.

Nearly 40 percent of long COVID patients suffer from the condition that causes disorientation, memory loss, chronic headache, and numbness. Destroyed connections between brain cells may be to blame.

HOW COVID CAN DAMAGE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Now we know how COVID attacks your heart

Even patients with mild COVID symptoms could face a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Here's what researchers have discovered.

COVID AND YOUR ARTERIES

JAMES CAVALLINI, SCIENCE SOURCE

How COVID can interfere with your period

There could be temporary disruptions to your cycle after the vaccine—or more significant issues after a severe bout of COVID-19.

'FUNKY EVER SINCE'

PHOTOGRAPH BY ZOWY VOETEN, GETTY IMAGES

Why the new COVID shot is a game-changer (and why the term 'booster' is obsolete)

The latest vaccine formula is available in local pharmacies now. Here's why it matters—and everything you need to know about it.

Read more:

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Why it's good to feel bad after your COVID shot

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Can you use an expired test? How long do you isolate? Here's a COVID refresher.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COVID?

PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLYN VAN HOUTEN, THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES

Have we solved the mystery of long COVID? New research offers an intriguing clue.

Nearly 1 in 5 people who have had COVID-19 in the United States continue to suffer from symptoms of long COVID. But why some people recover completely while others remain sick has been a mystery. Now research has provided some enticing clues.

KENNY HOLSTON, NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX

What happens if you get COVID multiple times? Here's what you need to know.

A previous SARS-CoV-2 infection can protect you for a little while, but the immunity wanes—and each new infection, no matter how mild, takes a toll on your body.

CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

MAGALI DRUSCOVICH, REUTERS/REDUX

What is POTS? This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic

Millions of people now live with the debilitating disorder, which can be triggered by viral illnesses like COVID-19. "They don’t teach us about [this] in medical school."

NEW RESEARCH ON HOW TO TREAT IT

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How old are you, really? The answer is written on your face.

What your fitness level says about your risk of cancer

When you go sober for even a month, your body will change. Here's how.

What are the signs of dementia—and why is it so hard to diagnose?

You probably aren't getting enough vitamin D—here's what the experts say

Can fasting help you live longer? Here's what the science says.

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