Recent studies have revealed the lasting health effects of COVID-19, showing that neurological and respiratory disorders may persist for up to three years after infection.

In one study, French researchers analyzed data from nearly 64,000 residents over a 30-month period. Published in the journal ‘Infectious Diseases’, the study found that individuals hospitalised due to COVID-19 experienced a mortality rate of 5,218 per 100,000 people. These patients faced increased hospitalizations for neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and respiratory issues.

Notably, women were more prone to psychiatric hospitalizations, and individuals over 70 were at higher risk for organ-specific disorders.

The elevated risks for neurological and respiratory complications, chronic kidney failure, and diabetes persisted throughout the 30-month follow-up.

A separate U.S. study, involving researchers from Rush, Yale, and Washington universities, tracked 3,663 participants over three years. Published in ‘The Lancet Regional Health’, the study reported that long COVID patients experienced worse physical and mental health outcomes up to three years post-infection. While many long COVID cases remained unresolved, vaccination was associated with improved outcomes.

IANS