COVID-19 survivors, who even had a mild COVID-19, have an increased risk of death in the six months by up to 60%, say scientists.
COVID-19 survivors are 60% more likely to die within six months of illness. The risk of death increases even in people who had a mild COVID-19 due to other health complications, the US researchers note.
The research involved 87,000 patients suffering from COVID-19 and nearly 5 million control patients from a federal database. To better understand the specificity of the effects of coronavirus, the group of researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine compared data of coronavirus patients with those who were infected with the flu.
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“Our study demonstrates that up to six months after diagnosis, the risk of death following even a mild case of COVID-19 is not trivial and increases with disease severity”
said study sr. author Ziyad Al-Aly, an assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.
“Physicians must be vigilant in evaluating people who have had COVID-19. These patients will need integrated, multidisciplinary care”
Al-Aly added.
According to the research, published in the journal Nature, compared to the flu, COVID-19 showed a markedly higher burden of disease, both in the magnitude of risk and in the extent of organ involvement.
At the six-month mark, excess deaths among all COVID-19 survivors were estimated at eight people per 1,000 patients, say the researchers, cited by Science Daily.
Health complications
Scientists also managed to offer a broader view of the coronavirus and its consequences for patients after studying the possible health complications after the disease.
Among them are:
Respiratory system: persistent cough, shortness of breath, and low oxygen levels in the blood.
Nervous system: stroke, headaches, memory problems, and problems with the senses of taste and smell.
Mental health: anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and substance abuse.
Metabolism: new onset of diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.
Cardiovascular system: acute coronary disease, heart failure, palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms.
Gastrointestinal system: constipation, diarrhea and acid reflux.
Kidney – Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease that, in severe cases, may require dialysis.
Regulation of coagulation: blood clots in the legs and lungs.
Skin: rash and hair loss.
Musculoskeletal system: joint pain and muscle weakness.
General health: malaise, fatigue and anemia.
