Dr. Philip McMillan, John McMillan
When the SARS-CoV-2 virus first emerged, much of our attention settled on the dramatic, immediate impact of COVID-19. Hospitalizations, ventilators, and overwhelmed ICUs became household concerns. But as the pandemic evolved, researchers turned their attention to a less visible yet deeply concerning aspect: the virus’s spike protein, which may circulate widely and linger in our tissues long after an initial infection. Studies show that spike protein has been detected in areas around the brain, kidneys, and liver — even when the active virus itself is no longer present. Dr. Philip McMillan, a physician deeply involved in analyzing these findings, puts it plainly: “It binds literally to all the organs,” he said, highlighting the broad reach of the spike protein once it enters the bloodstream. Understanding this widespread infiltration is key, as it could explain persistent symptoms reported by some people after their acute infection resolves.
From Airway to Every Organ
Early in the pandemic, scientists focused on the virus’s activity in the lungs, as SARS-CoV-2 initially takes hold in the upper airways. But recent studies, including one published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, have shown that the spike protein itself can remain hidden in places like the skull and the tissues surrounding the brain, well after the acute infection subsides. Research suggests that even once a COVID-19 patient no longer feels sick, remnants of the spike protein may still linger. “It literally goes everywhere in the body,” says Dr. McMillan, reinforcing that these viral traces can lodge themselves in organs far beyond the lungs.
In animal models, scientists injected spike protein into mice and later discovered it in multiple organs — kidneys, liver, intestines, and even parts of the nervous system. The spike protein did not fade overnight; it remained bound to tissues, possibly setting off silent inflammatory responses. Likewise, autopsy reports from COVID-19 patients have confirmed spike protein presence in the skull-meninges-brain axis, a delicate network connecting the bone and membranes around the brain. Scientists suspect these hidden deposits could explain lingering neurological issues, including cognitive problems and fatigue, commonly reported by people weeks or months after infection. Research suggests this phenomenon may be more frequent in areas with high vaccination rates, possibly because certain antibody responses (like IgG4) can tolerate the virus longer, granting it more time to slip past local defenses.
Lingering spike protein isn’t just a medical curiosity. Persistent, low-grade inflammation triggered by these particles could, over time, harm organs like the kidneys, which showed particularly heavy spike protein buildup in animal models. The brain may also be affected, with spike protein setting the stage for subtle neurological and mental health disturbances. These changes are often silent at first, making them easy to ignore — until they manifest as chronic kidney issues, liver abnormalities, or lingering brain fog.
Preventive Actions: From Nasal Health to Humming
The good news is that focusing on the body’s first line of defense might help prevent these lingering effects.
The mucosal barrier in the nose and throat is an essential part of the body’s protective shield. If the virus is stopped there, it struggles to invade the bloodstream and spread beyond the respiratory tract. Mucosal immunity isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a crucial barrier that helps keep the virus confined to the upper airways. Intriguingly, some researchers have found that increasing nitric oxide production in the sinuses — a natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent — may help. Simply humming or engaging in breathing practices that promote nasal airflow can elevate nitric oxide levels in the sinuses. While this sounds almost too simple, it aligns with centuries of traditional practices like meditation and chanting. Current understanding suggests such techniques might give the body an edge in preventing the spike protein from penetrating deeper tissues.
Additional steps, like balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and moderate exercise, support overall immune function. Simple habits like nasal rinsing or humming may sound almost too easy, but they’re rooted in our understanding of how local immunity works. No strategy is foolproof, but layering multiple measures such as mucosal support and healthy habits can tilt the odds in our favor.
Looking Ahead: An Ongoing Conversation
Science is iterative. As we refine our understanding of spike protein persistence, we will likely identify even more nuanced prevention and treatment strategies. The research cited in Cell Host & Microbe and similar studies guides us toward a new perspective: what happens after the initial infection can matter greatly. The presence of persistent spike protein in various tissues challenges the notion that a mild case of COVID-19 is automatically harmless.
While we may never again face the intense panic of the early pandemic days, understanding the subtler, long-term implications of spike protein toxicity can guide us toward healthier choices. Supporting mucosal immunity, adhering to preventive measures, and staying informed can help ensure that what lingers beneath the surface does not become an unwelcome surprise in the future.
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