Although COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency, questions about its possible long-term effects on immunity, heart health and fertility continue to concern many people. At the India Today HealthWealth Summit 2026, four medical specialists discussed the health issues that may persist after infection, the rising concern over heart attacks among younger people and the reasons behind recurring respiratory illnesses. They cautioned against attributing every new health problem to the pandemic, emphasising that scientific evidence, individual medical histories and other risk factors must be considered before drawing conclusions.

Padma Shri Dr D S Gambhir, senior cardiologist at Kailash Hospital, explained that COVID-19 was not limited to the respiratory system and could affect multiple organs through the bloodstream. He said the infection could disturb the body's normal blood-clotting mechanisms in some patients, potentially leading to complications involving the heart and lungs. While some people continue to experience health problems after recovering from the virus, he warned against automatically linking sudden deaths or other illnesses to previous COVID-19 infections without sufficient scientific evidence.

Discussing heart attacks among younger people, Dr Manoj Kumar, Vice Chairman of Cardiac Sciences and Interventional Cardiology at Max Healthcare, said COVID-19 could be a contributing risk factor. He explained that the infection may damage the inner lining of blood vessels and trigger inflammation, potentially increasing the likelihood of blood clots and cardiovascular complications. However, he also highlighted several established risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, smoking, obesity, chronic stress and physical inactivity. Sitting for more than 10 hours a day may further increase cardiovascular risks. Dr Gambhir stressed that available evidence does not establish COVID-19 as the cause of every heart attack among young people, while Dr Kumar said studies do not support a direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and an increased risk of heart attacks.

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The specialists also highlighted the importance of stress management and preventive healthcare. Dr Kumar said prolonged stress could affect hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol and contribute to inflammation. Smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption can compound health risks, making regular physical activity, yoga, meditation and social interaction important parts of a healthier routine. People experiencing persistent anxiety or depression were advised to seek professional support. On recurring coughs and colds, Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, Chairman of ENT at Max Healthcare, said COVID-19 may have affected immune responses, including T-cell function. However, he noted that pollution, sudden temperature changes and lifestyle factors could also contribute to repeated respiratory infections, while the direct relationship between COVID-19 and frequent common colds requires further research.

Addressing fertility concerns, Dr Preeti Aggarwal, an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, said some women experienced temporary menstrual changes following vaccination, while some men showed changes in semen parameters after COVID-19 infection. These changes were generally temporary, she explained. Stress, uncertainty and postponed pregnancy plans during the pandemic may also have affected couples trying to conceive. She emphasised that age remains an important factor in female fertility because both the number and quality of eggs decline over time. Conditions such as endometriosis and previous ovarian surgery can also affect reproductive health. Current research, she said, has not established a major long-term impact of COVID-19 infection or vaccination on reproductive health, and couples experiencing difficulty conceiving should seek medical advice rather than assume the pandemic is responsible.

Dr Sachdeva also cautioned against self-medication, including using artificial intelligence tools to select or prescribe medicines without professional guidance. Most common coughs and colds are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics, while unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. The doctors also highlighted recommended vaccinations, including influenza vaccination during pregnancy and for older adults, as well as pneumococcal vaccination for eligible people. For those over 40, Dr Gambhir recommended regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, particularly among people with a family history of heart disease. The specialists stressed that timely screening, healthier daily habits and evidence-based medical advice remain essential, rather than attributing every health concern to COVID-19.

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