Finally, expression of six vascular inflammatory markers (Myoglobin, NGAL, MMP-2, OPN, IGFBP-4, and Cystatin C) was unexpectedly decreased in recovered participants compared to the control cohort for up to one-year post recovery.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Overall, this data indicates that COVID-19 and other acute viral infections may have a modest impact on the chemoreflex control of breathing as well as systemic inflammatory profiles, and that these changes may be linked to each other. Here, MMP2 is linked to COVID-19.