The study of nearly 64,000 French residents has shed light on the long-term health effects of COVID-19, particularly for those who have been hospitalized with the virus. The research, published in Infectious Diseases, reveals that survivors of COVID-19 hospitalization face an increased risk of death or organ-related disorders for up to two-and-a-half years after discharge.
Lead author Dr. Sarah Tubiana, a specialist in infectious diseases at Bichat Hospital in Paris, emphasizes the importance of continued health care and monitoring for individuals who have been hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study followed 63,990 adults admitted to hospital with COVID-19 between January and August 2020, comparing their outcomes with a control group from the general population.
The findings show that hospitalized COVID-19 survivors are at greater risk of severe health complications compared to the general population. They have a higher rate of deaths from any cause and are more likely to be hospitalized for various organ-related conditions, including neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and respiratory problems. The risks of re-hospitalization and organ-specific disorders remain elevated for up to 30 months after discharge.
Dr. Charles Burdet, an Infectious Diseases specialist at Université Paris Cité and co-author of the study, highlights the long-lasting consequences of COVID-19 on individuals’ lives. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these long-term health risks and how to mitigate them.
The study’s use of a large, nationwide database covering the entire French population strengthens the validity of the findings. However, the results may not fully apply to later SARS-CoV-2 variants, as the study focused on patients infected in early 2020. Future research is needed to assess the long-term health consequences of more recent variants.
This research underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and care for COVID-19 survivors, even after they have been discharged from the hospital. The study provides valuable insights into the far-reaching impact of the virus and the need for continued support for individuals affected by COVID-19.
