about 3.5 million canadians have experienced fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath and other lingering symptoms for three months or longer after a confirmed or suspected covid infection “that could not be explained by anything else,” according to a national study.
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the findings are consistent with other international studies, including a recent study published in nature medicine that found increased risks of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, lung problems, gut problems, blood clots and other conditions up to two years later, after even mild or moderate covid infections.
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“a lot of people think, ‘i got covid, i got over it and i’m fine, and it’s a nothingburger for them. but that’s not everything,” the study’s senior author, ziyad al-aly, a washington university school of medicine clinical epidemiologist told the washington post . for some people, “it’s still wreaking havoc in your body.”
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on x, formerly twitter, dr. lisa iannattone, an assistant professor of dermatology at mcgill university, said covid “immune damage” could be contributing to recent surges in rsv and other respiratory infections.
iannattone cited a recent study that found a prior covid infection was associated with a 40 per cent increased risk of an rsv infection needing medical attention in children during the 2021 and 2022 rsv seasons.
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another study this year reported a higher risk of shingles in the 12 months after a covid infection, while an israeli team reported a higher risk of streptococcal tonsilitis , among other conditions, a year after a mild case of covid.
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