Study analyzes the risk of other medical conditions after recovery from COVID-19

Researchers analyzed data from a large insurance company in the United States. They found an increased risk of other medical conditions after recovering from COVID-19 irrespective of pre-existing conditions or age.

COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a range of manifestations, from no symptoms to severe illness. Although complete recovery may occur within a few days in mild to moderate illness, the longer-term effects of the disease in humans are as yet unknown.

Studies have reported that many recovered patients experience different symptoms well after complete recovery, affecting their physical, mental, and social health. Evidence from survivors of other coronavirus infections like MERS and SARS suggests long-term effects are not uncommon.

There have only been a few studies that have looked at the effects of the disease in the long term, mainly in patients with severe disease who were hospitalized. But, these studies may not be representative of the general population.

---By Lakshmi Supriya, PhD.