This is terrible news.
Mounting evidence suggests that persistent and debilitating symptoms are not exclusive to Covid, as new research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases indicates that the flu virus may also have lasting health effects. The pandemic and the surge in long Covid cases prompted a reevaluation of traditional views on viral infections, according to Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the senior study author and Chief of Research and Development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. The notion that these illnesses are acute events to be overcome and forgotten is evolving, with a recognition that individuals may require ongoing attention beyond the initial phase.
The study, utilizing data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, focused on 81,280 veterans hospitalized with Covid from March 2020 to June 2022 and 10,985 hospitalized with the flu from October 2015 to February 2019. In the 18 months post-infection, both groups faced elevated risks of death, hospital readmission, and multi-organ health problems involving the heart, kidneys, brain, and digestive system. Covid patients exhibited a higher likelihood of enduring issues across multiple organ systems simultaneously, while flu patients were more prone to persistent lung-related symptoms.
Lung problems in individuals recovering from the flu ranged from persistent coughs to severe shortness of breath due to inflammation and scarring. Overall, the study revealed that Covid-induced illness was more severe, with higher rates of death, hospital readmission, and adverse effects on multiple organ systems compared to the flu. While the study primarily involved older hospitalized men, the broader applicability to the general population, especially those with mild cases not requiring hospitalization, remains uncertain.
The research highlights the concept, underscored by long Covid, that viral illnesses can trigger enduring symptom syndromes. Dr. Todd Rice, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasized that other viruses can exhibit a similar prolonged impact. A study in October also found lingering symptoms after various respiratory viruses. Dr. Anita Gupta from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine commended the research, emphasizing its significance in emphasizing the severity of these conditions and the importance of preventive measures. However, the study also underscores the current lack of a cure for post-viral syndromes, as the understanding of how viruses trigger severe and persistent health problems remains incomplete. Ongoing research holds promise for unraveling these complexities and developing effective interventions.
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