Long Flu: It's Real, and It's Not Just COVID

Discover the untold story of "Long Flu" as we unravel the surprising and prolonged health risks following severe cases of influenza. Move over Long COVID – common viruses, including the flu, may lead to persistent symptoms. Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly sheds light on the unexpected long-term effects, urging us to rethink our approach to infections.

You've probably heard about Long COVID, where people experience persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and pain after having COVID-19. Around 14% of adults in the U.S. have reported dealing with Long COVID at some point, according to government data.

However, what many don't realize is that other viruses, even common ones, can also lead to prolonged and debilitating symptoms. A recent study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlights the risk of developing "Long flu" after a severe bout of influenza.

Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System, points out that infections initially thought to cause only acute illnesses can result in chronic diseases. This applies to influenza as well, as indicated by the new research.

Al-Aly and his team examined records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, comparing the long-term outcomes of around 11,000 people hospitalized with influenza (2015-2019) and 81,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 (2020-2022). They monitored the development of 94 health risks associated with these viruses in the year and a half following hospitalization.

Compared to influenza survivors, those who had COVID-19 faced an increased risk of 64 complications, including fatigue, mental health issues, and problems with the lungs, gastrointestinal system, and heart. COVID-19 survivors were also more likely to die during the study period, aligning with other research comparing the long-term effects of the two illnesses.

While COVID-19 affects multiple organ systems and is more severe than the flu, both groups experienced common long-term health problems over the 18-month follow-up. The COVID-19 group recorded approximately 615 health issues per 100 people, compared to about 537 per 100 people in the influenza group.

It's crucial to note that the study focused on hospitalized individuals who were severely ill during the acute phases of their illnesses, mostly older and male. Consequently, the results may not be fully applicable to the entire population.

Nevertheless, previous research indicates that even mild illnesses can lead to lasting health problems. Influenza and common viruses like Epstein-Barr, known for causing mononucleosis, have been linked to post-infectious illnesses like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, sharing symptoms with Long COVID.

Recent studies highlight the potential effects of routine illnesses. Lingering symptoms were observed in people who had various respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. About half of non-hospitalized individuals reported ongoing issues three months later, according to a 2022 study. Additionally, a 2021 study found that approximately 40% of people with influenza experienced at least one symptom commonly associated with long-term COVID in the six months following their illnesses.

Collectively, these findings suggest a need to reevaluate how we perceive viruses. Dr. Al-Aly emphasizes the importance of respecting infections, advocating for measures such as wearing masks during periods of high transmission, getting recommended vaccines, and staying home when feeling unwell to prevent the spread of viruses.

Conclusion

In the realm of viral aftermath, the tale goes beyond the well-known saga of Long COVID. As we journey through the revelations of "Long Flu," it becomes undeniably clear that the consequences of severe influenza are not to be underestimated. Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly's insights open our eyes to the lingering health risks that follow in the wake of the flu, urging us to reconsider how we perceive and handle infections.

This isn't just about comparing one virus to another; it's a collective call to respect the resilience of our bodies and acknowledge that infections, regardless of their initial severity, demand our attention. As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, let this be a reminder that our wellness journey extends far beyond the acute phases of illness. Embrace preventative measures, prioritize health, and, in the face of viruses, let's choose awareness and respect. Long Flu is real, and understanding its reality is a crucial step towards a healthier future.