Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Bucks and Montgomery Counties PA

Understanding Spike Proteins: The Lingering Threat Behind Long COVID

by Dr. Catie Harris

When COVID-19 swept across the globe, scientists quickly identified the “spike protein” as a critical component of the virus. This spike-shaped structure on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus enables it to attach to and invade human cells, particularly those with ACE2 receptors found in the lungs, heart, brain, gut and other organs. While the acute phase of infection may resolve, growing evidence suggests that spike proteins can persist in the body and continue to drive symptoms long after the virus is gone—a condition now commonly referred to as Long COVID.

Spike Proteins

Spike proteins are glycoproteins that protrude from the surface of the coronavirus. Their primary function is to bind to host cells, allowing viral RNA to enter and hijack cellular machinery to replicate. This interaction, while vital for viral replication, also sets off a cascade of immune responses that can lead to inflammation and tissue damage.

Even after the body clears the active virus, fragments of spike proteins may remain lodged in tissues or continue circulating in extracellular vesicles. These remnants can act like splinters, irritating the immune system, creating oxidative stress and disrupting normal cellular function.

Spike Proteins and Long COVID

Long COVID refers to a constellation of symptoms—often neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic—that persist for weeks or months beyond the initial infection. Research has found that individuals with Long COVID often have measurable spike protein in their blood or tissues, suggesting that incomplete viral clearance may underlie their ongoing symptoms.

Studies have shown that spike protein can disrupt mitochondrial energy production; damage endothelial lining of blood vessels, contributing to clotting and poor circulation; trigger autoimmunity by molecular mimicry; and cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurological symptoms like brain fog, anxiety and depression.

These mechanisms help explain why Long COVID can affect multiple systems and resemble chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, POTS and even neurodegenerative conditions.

The Challenge of Clearing the Spike

In most cases, the immune system is able to clear viral particles. However, in some individuals—especially those with weakened detoxification pathways, immune dysregulation or high baseline inflammation—spike proteins may linger. Some researchers hypothesize that viral fragments may become embedded in monocytes or lymphatic tissue, where they evade detection and continue to promote chronic inflammation.

Additionally, the spike protein has been shown to resist breakdown by certain enzymes and can persist inside tissues that have slower turnover, such as the brain, fat cells or vasculature.

Addressing the Issue

Understanding that spike protein debris is not inert but biologically active opens the door to therapeutic strategies focused on removal and repair. These include:

• Supporting mitochondrial function with nutrients like NAD+, CoQ10 and phospholipids

• Enhancing detox pathways using binders, glutathione and antioxidants

• Modulating immune response with natural agents, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) or peptides

• Targeting persistent inflammation through anti-inflammatory diet and therapies like ozone

By addressing the lingering spike protein burden, individuals with Long COVID may experience improvement in energy, cognition and overall function.

The science of spike protein persistence is still evolving, but it’s clear that for some, recovery requires more than just time—it requires a targeted, root-cause approach.

Dr. Catie Harris is the owner of Philly Wellness Center, located at 834 South St., in Philadelphia. She works with regenerative therapies to address root causes of health conditions. She has worked with world authorities on COVID in developing the spike protein removal protocol. For more information or to make an appointment, call 215-709-9710 or visit www.PhillyWellnessCenter.com.