Those infected with coronavirus are twice as likely to develop dangerous blood clots and respiratory problems, according to a major new study presented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Specifically, the study found that 1 in 5 adults aged 18 to 64 and 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older who contracted coronavirus continued to experience health problems that could potentially be linked to COVID-19. It should be noted that this is not the first study to link coronavirus to long-term symptoms.
The researchers of the new study argue that the greatest risk that those who became ill, regardless of the age group to which they belong, may face is the possibility of acute pulmonary embolism, which is the development of a blood clot in the lung artery. Other health risks associated with previous COVID-19 infection were respiratory symptoms, such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.
Essentially, the researchers drew attention to clots that can develop in the blood and travel to the lungs, causing multiple problems. Pulmonary emboli typically reach the lungs through a vein located in the legs and can invite serious problems such as low oxygen levels, lung damage, and even death.
The new study was based on more than 350,000 records of patients who contracted coronavirus between March 2020 and November 2021. These data were compared with those of 1.6 million people in a control group who were not diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients were followed for one month from the time they first developed the condition until they developed a subsequent condition or until one year had passed, whichever came first.
The most common effects experienced by patients in both age groups were respiratory symptoms and musculoskeletal pain. In particular, patients under 65 years of age were found to be at increased risk of most symptoms associated with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Notably, however, no significant differences were observed in terms of risk of cerebrovascular disease, mental health conditions or substance-related disorders.
"The severity of COVID-19 and duration of illness can affect patients' medical needs, as well as their financial situation," the authors argue. "In addition, the severity of symptoms after infection can also affect a patient's ability to participate in the productive process. Consequently, economic problems may arise, affecting both themselves and their dependants," they add. At the same time, of course, the researchers stress, these patients will put additional pressure on the health care system.
It should be noted that the study in question did not include data on patients such as their gender, origin, place of residence, or whether they were vaccinated or not. Moreover, the study did not include data from the new coronavirus mutations.
Source: ygeiamou.gr
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