Risk Of Post-COVID Complications And Death Remains High Even After Two Years Of Getting COVID: Study

COVID-19 is still very much a public health threat as it was when it first appeared worldwide at the beginning of 2020. With the emergence of the new ‘Eris’ variant and the day-on-day breakthroughs in Long-COVID research, the power of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 and its high level of virulence has been established once again. 

In light of this looming threat, a recent study published in the Journal ‘Nature Medicine’ has highlighted how the risk of post-COVID complications and death remains high even after two years of first contracting the infection. 

Study Findings

It is well known now that COVID-19 can lead to post-infection complications affecting multiple organs. However, till now, most studies followed up on patients of long COVID for one year post-infection. This latest study built a cohort of 138,818 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection from the US Department of Veterans Affairs and followed them for two years to estimate the risks of death and 80 post-COVID complications of COVID-19. 

The study suggested that post-COVID complications include and are not limited to, pulmonary distress, cardiovascular disorders, neurologic and mental health disorders, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, kidney disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

Also Read: New Symptoms Of Long COVID Identified, Chest Pain, Hair Fall, Reduced Virility Among Them

The study revealed that people with COVID-19 who were not hospitalised during the acute phase of the disease were still at a 36% risk of death and post-COVID complications after two years of getting infected by COVID-19. Over the span of two years of follow-up, the risk of developing cardiovascular complications stood at 7%, blood-related disorders at 20%, endocrine system issues at 100%, gastrointestinal disorders at 36%, mental health problems at 15%, and breathing difficulties at a whopping 50%. 

In this group of nonhospitalised people, the findings showed that the risk of death becomes significant at six months after infection and the risk of hospitalisation remains elevated until 19 months after infection. 

Considering the group of people who suffered chronic COVID infection, and had to be hospitalised during the acute phase of their infection, the risk of both death and hospitalisation stood at an alarming 65% even after two years of contracting SARS-CoV-2. 

Protect Yourself From Long COVID

Through their findings, the researchers suggested, “Measures to reduce the risk of Long-COVID should remain the foundation of public health policy. Reducing the risk of infection and transmission with updated vaccines is critical to reduce the risk of long-term health loss among the masses.” The study suggested that these long-term repercussions of COVID not only impact the patients, but also contribute to a decline in life expectancy, economic productivity, workforce, and societal wellbeing. 

Also Read: Covid 19: Blood Tests Could Help Detect Long Covid, Study Finds

Hence, it is essential for each one of us to not take COVID lightly, and to keep practising COVID-appropriate measures. It is each citizen’s responsibility to ensure that their courses of COVID vaccine, and booster doses are complete. Additionally, it is important for every individual to be aware of the possibility of post-COVID complications, to better avail post-COVID care strategies.

Although the findings show that the risks of many Long-COVID complications subside over time, this decline is far less pronounced among those who were hospitalised in the acute phase of infection. Such people should pay extra attention towards their health, especially if they suffer from comorbidities which can exacerbate the symptoms of Long-COVID. 

Finally, the study also highlighted the importance of reducing the risk of hospitalisation among people with SARS-CoV-2 infection (and reinfection) as a means to reduce the risk of long-term health loss.