A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine has found that even mild cases of COVID-19 can lead to an increased risk of long-term health problems two years later.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, looked at data from nearly 139,000 military veterans who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020. The researchers compared the veterans to a group of nearly 6 million veterans who were not known to have had COVID-19.
The study found that veterans who had been infected with COVID-19 were more likely to develop a variety of long-term health problems two years later, including:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Blood clotting problems
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Kidney disorders
- Fatigue
- Lung problems
The study also found that veterans who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 were at an even higher risk of developing long-term health problems.
The study’s authors say that their findings suggest that COVID-19 can have a significant impact on long-term health, even in people who have mild cases of the disease. They say that more research is needed to understand the full extent of the long-term health effects of COVID-19.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has shown that COVID-19 can lead to a variety of long-term health problems. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in 2021 found that people who had been infected with COVID-19 were more likely to develop heart problems, lung problems, and neurological problems two years later.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and getting boosters. Vaccination can help to protect against serious illness and death from COVID-19, and it may also help to reduce the risk of developing long-term health problems.
If you have had COVID-19, it is important to see your doctor if you develop any long-term health problems. Your doctor can help you to manage your symptoms and get the care you need.