Study Finds Long-Term Health Risks for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients face increased risks of death and organ disorders even years after discharge, according to a nationwide study published in Infectious Diseases, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Researchers analyzed data from over 380,000 individuals, including more than 60,000 hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2020. Over a 30-month period, they found that those discharged after severe illness had a significantly higher risk of death and hospitalization, particularly for neurological, respiratory, renal, and diabetes-related conditions.

The first six months were the most critical, with patients nearly three times more likely to die. While the risk declined over time, it remained 7% higher after two and a half years. Hospitalization rates for cardiovascular disorders were also elevated.

Few studies have tracked such long-term effects, highlighting the need to understand the lasting impact of severe COVID-19 on health and healthcare systems, researchers noted.