> Could they have hidden damage that we can't detect? Plausible. But that is true of many activities. And illnesses

The difference is that we know plenty about those illnesses and activities. This is a novel virus and we are just speculating.

We simply don't know the long term effects of this virus, even in recovered cases.

Until we know this virus well enough to make such statements, we should play it safe.

I for one am not willing to risk a lung because you think it's fear mongering