Long Covid Effects: Studies Reveal Lasting Neurological, Respiratory and Organ Related Health Risks Up to 3 Years After Infection
New Delhi: Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has officially ended, its long-term effects continue to pose serious health concerns. Two separate studies have highlighted that several neurological, respiratory, and other health complications persist among individuals who were hospitalised with the disease.
French Study Reveals Increased Mortality and Hospitalisation Risks
A study conducted by a team of researchers from France examined data from nearly 64,000 French residents over a period of 30 months. Their findings, published in the journal Infectious Diseases, revealed that individuals hospitalised due to Covid-19 had a significantly higher mortality rate, with 5,218 deaths per 100,000 people.
During the 30-month follow-up, these individuals were found to be at a higher risk of hospitalisation for various health issues, particularly neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and respiratory complications.
While the risk of hospitalisation was similar for men and women overall, women were more likely to be hospitalised due to psychiatric conditions. Additionally, elderly individuals above 70 years of age faced an increased risk of hospitalisation due to organ-specific disorders.
Notably, the study found that the risk of developing neurological and respiratory disorders, chronic kidney failure, and diabetes remained elevated for up to 30 months after the initial hospitalisation.
“Even 30 months after hospitalisation, Covid-19 patients remained at an increased risk of death or severe health complications, reflecting the long-lasting, wider consequences of the disease on people’s lives,” said Dr Charles Burdet, an Infectious Diseases specialist at Université Paris Cité.
“These findings are a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of Covid, which extends far beyond the initial infection,” added lead author Dr Sarah Tubiana, an infectious diseases expert at the Clinical Investigation Center at Bichat Hospital, Paris.
US Study Highlights Prolonged Effects of Long Covid
A second study, conducted by researchers from Rush, Yale, and Washington universities in the United States, followed 3,663 participants over a three-year period.
Their findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health, revealed that individuals suffering from long Covid continued to experience worse physical and mental health outcomes even three years after their initial infection.
While a significant proportion of long Covid cases did not fully resolve, researchers noted that vaccination was associated with better health outcomes, suggesting a potential protective effect against prolonged symptoms.
These studies underscore the enduring health challenges posed by Covid-19, reinforcing the need for continued research and healthcare strategies to manage long-term complications in affected individuals.
(with IANS inputs)
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.