A new study suggests COVID-19 may leave behind hidden effects that reach far beyond recovery. Scientists in Australia discovered that the virus can alter sperm cells in ways that may affect future generations.

Researchers infected male mice with COVID, then studied their offspring. “We found the offspring showed more anxious behavior compared to those from uninfected fathers,” said study author Elizabeth Kleeman. The virus appeared to change RNA molecules in sperm — which help control genes vital to brain development.

Female offspring showed the most dramatic effects, including changes in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory and emotion center. Co-author Carolina Gubert said these changes could explain the increased anxiety observed.

“If our findings translate to humans, this could impact millions of children worldwide,” warned lead researcher Anthony Hannan. Experts say the results highlight how COVID’s effects may continue across generations — a reminder that even after the fever fades, the virus’s legacy may not.