EBioMedicineOct 27, 2026

Links between saliva levels of HHV-6 virus and long COVID severity

Updated Oct 28, 2026

Abstract

Reactivation of human herpesviruses (HHVs), particularly EBV, is associated with more severe acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of Long COVID.

The study explores a potential link between reactivation of HHVs and hormonal dysregulation observed in Long COVID.
Salivary HHV DNA, cortisol, testosterone, and oestradiol levels are examined in relation to Long COVID symptoms.
Evidence suggests that HHV reactivation may contribute to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Simplified

Reactivation of human herpesviruses (HHVs), particularly EBV, is associated with more severe acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of Long COVID (LC). Reactivation of HHVs has been previously implicated in hormonal dysregulation, which has also been observed in LC, suggesting a potential link. This study aims to examine the relationship between LC symptoms and salivary HHV DNA, cortisol, testosterone, and oestradiol levels.

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Links between saliva levels of HHV-6 virus and long COVID severity

Abstract

Full Text

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