One silver lining of COVID is the recognition that infections can, in fact, cause cognitive decline and impact the functioning of various organs for months or even years.  Seeking to understand the mechanism, researchers believe it is caused by the effect the virus has on the vagus nerve. The vagus is a vital central nerve that runs from the brain into the body, connects to the heart, lungs, intestines, and several muscles involved with swallowing. I am hoping this research helps open the door further to acceptance that infections do not always confine themselves to “traditional” or expected symptoms and can result in long term post-infectious conditions such as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/968537?fbclid=IwAR1mWeQHpVefdcb-a3O3mUFD3jYEFUu5LbB9AeW_Fo20hzh7jW2WhEPvU_0