Long-Term Risks of Covid and Influenza Hospitalization: Insights from a Recent Study Published in Lancet

A recent study published in the Lancet journal has shed light on the long-term risks associated with being hospitalized for flu, particularly Covid. The study, conducted on 81,280 patients hospitalized for Covid between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022, and 10,985 patients hospitalized for seasonal influenza between Oct 1, 2015, and Feb 28, 2019, revealed concerning findings that highlight the importance of understanding and managing the aftermath of these infections. Previous comparative analyses between Covid and influenza patients have primarily focused on short-term outcomes such as death and hospital readmission.

However, this study sought to delve deeper into the long-term effects of these infections by following participants for up to 18 months post-hospitalization. The aim was to evaluate risks and burdens of death, a wide range of health outcomes, organ system impacts, readmission rates, and ICU admissions. The results of the study demonstrated that patients in the Covid group had a significantly higher risk of death compared to those in the seasonal influenza group.

Additionally, when comparing 94 pre-specified health outcomes, Covid patients were found to have an increased risk in 68.1% of these outcomes, while seasonal influenza patients only had a 6.4% increased risk.

This stark contrast indicates the more severe and long-lasting impact of Covid on overall health compared to seasonal influenza. Analyzing the effects on different organ systems, the study revealed that Covid posed a higher risk across most organ systems, except for the pulmonary system where seasonal influenza demonstrated a higher risk. These findings underscore the complex and multi-faceted nature of these viral infections and their implications for long-term health outcomes.

One of the lead authors of the study, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly from Washington University, emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential for long-haul illness following hospitalization for Covid or influenza. He highlighted that while some individuals may recover quickly, many others experience serious long-term health issues that need to be addressed.

The cumulative burden of health loss observed in both groups calls for a proactive approach to preventing hospital admissions for these infections and a more focused attention on the care needs of individuals experiencing long-term effects. In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Al-Aly stressed the need to stop trivializing viral infections and to acknowledge them as significant drivers of chronic diseases.

He urged healthcare professionals and policymakers to wake up to the reality of these long-term health risks and to prioritize strategies that aim to mitigate the long-lasting impacts of Covid and influenza. Overall, this study serves as a critical reminder of the enduring consequences of viral infections such as Covid and seasonal influenza. It highlights the importance of comprehensive and patient-centered care that considers both short-term and long-term outcomes, ultimately aiming to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals affected by these infections.

As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by these viruses, a proactive and holistic approach to managing their effects on individuals' health is essential.