Changes in nose and throat microbes and chemicals over 3 years in people recovering from COVID-19 in the hospital

More than one-third of individuals recovering from COVID-19 experience pulmonary diffusion impairment.

• Long COVID is associated with lasting effects that extend beyond respiratory symptoms.
• The salivary microbiome and metabolome may provide insights into the relationship between oral health and lung function.
• There is limited evidence on the long-term changes in the salivary microbiome and metabolome following COVID-19 infection.
• The predictive value of these oral health indicators for ongoing pulmonary diffusion impairment requires further investigation.

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