Beyond COVID-19
Statistically, there’s a good chance that someone you know has experienced Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and pain following a bout of COVID-19. According to federal data, about 14% of U.S. adults have reported experiencing Long COVID at some point.
Not Just COVID-19: The Surprising Impact of Common Viruses
Many people are unaware that various viruses, including common ones, can trigger similarly prolonged and debilitating symptoms. A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Dec. 14 delves into the risk of developing “Long flu” after a severe case of influenza.
Insights from Influenza: A Lesson from COVID-19
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, Chief of Research and Development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System, highlights a key lesson learned from COVID-19: infections initially thought to cause only acute illnesses can lead to chronic diseases. This revelation holds true for influenza as well, as indicated by the new research.
Comparative Analysis: COVID-19 vs. Influenza
Al-Aly and his colleagues analyzed records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, comparing the long-term health outcomes of approximately 11,000 people hospitalized with influenza from 2015 to 2019 with those of about 81,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022. The study tracked the development of 94 health risks associated with the two viruses in the year and a half following hospitalization.
Greater Risks with COVID-19
In comparison to influenza survivors, individuals who had COVID-19 faced an increased risk of 64 identified complications, including fatigue, mental health problems, and issues with the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary systems. They were also more likely to succumb during the study period, aligning with other research comparing the long-term outcomes of the two illnesses.
Influenza Survivors: Lesser Health Risks
In contrast, influenza survivors were at an increased risk of only six health problems, predominantly related to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Severity of Long-Term Issues
While acknowledging that COVID-19 is more serious than the flu due to its impact on multiple organ systems, both groups experienced common long-term health problems during the 18 months of follow-up. The study recorded approximately 615 health issues per 100 people in the COVID-19 group, compared to about 537 per 100 people in the influenza group.
Study Limitations: Hospitalized Population
It’s important to note that the study focused on hospitalized individuals, indicating severe illness during the acute phases. The participants were predominantly male and older, with an average age of 70. These results may not be fully representative of the entire population.
Broader Implications: Insights from Other Viruses
Previous research suggests that even milder illnesses can lead to lasting health issues. Viruses like Epstein-Barr, causing mononucleosis, and influenza have been linked to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, sharing symptoms with Long COVID.
Lessons from Routine Illnesses
Newer research emphasizes the potential effects of routine illnesses. Studies tracking people with respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold, reveal lingering symptoms in each group. Even non-hospitalized individuals experienced ongoing issues, emphasizing the need to reconsider our perception of viruses.
Rethinking Viruses: A Call for Respect
Dr. Al-Aly underscores the importance of rethinking our approach to viruses. As a growing number of studies challenge the notion that infections are trivial and quickly overcome, he advocates for recognizing that “infections deserve respect.”
Taking Precautions: A Collective Responsibility
To mitigate the risk of viral infections, including COVID-19 and the flu, Dr. Al-Aly recommends taking preventive measures. This includes wearing masks during periods of heavy transmission, getting all recommended vaccines, and staying home when feeling unwell.
In conclusion, the evolving understanding of viral infections urges us to adopt a more nuanced perspective, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to protect our health and well-being.
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