A new study published in Nature Medicine has found that the physical fallout from long COVID may last two years or longer, even for those whose initial cases did not require hospitalization.

The study, conducted by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care system, analyzed data from over 6 million anonymous medical records. The researchers found that people who had contracted COVID-19 but did not require hospitalization were still at elevated risk for several conditions two years later, including diabetes, lung problems, fatigue, blood clots, and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. Those whose initial cases required hospitalization within the first 30 days faced even more dire outcomes, with elevated risk for both hospitalization and death, along with significant risk across all organ systems.

The study’s findings are significant because they suggest that long COVID is not just a short-term problem that resolves on its own. Instead, it is a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on people’s health and quality of life.

The researchers also found that the risk of long COVID was higher among people who were older, male, and Black. They also found that the risk of long COVID was lower among people who were vaccinated.

The study’s findings highlight the need for more research into long COVID and for the development of effective treatments. The researchers call for a “coherent national strategy” to accelerate clinical trials and get a treatment that works as soon as possible.

In the meantime, people who have had COVID-19 should be aware of the long-term risks and should seek medical attention if they experience any of the symptoms of long COVID.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the study:

• Long COVID can have a long-term impact on people’s health and quality of life.
• The risk of long COVID is higher among people who are older, male, and Black.
• The risk of long COVID is lower among people who are vaccinated.
• More research is needed into long COVID and for the development of effective treatments.

If you have had COVID-19, it is important to be aware of the long-term risks and to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms of long COVID.