New studies further demonstrate how COVID-19 may increase the risk of other infections. This increased risk can continue for at least a year following the first oral COVID-19 infection. This study used clinical data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare databases. In doing so, it looked at the medical records of over 836,000 people. Of these, 231,899 had positive tests for COVID-19, whereas 605,014 patients had a negative COVID-19 test.
This study included an in-depth analysis of 65 laboratory tests for infectious diseases. These were all self-reported and administered tests performed between 30 days and 12 months after a positive COVID-19 test. Recent discoveries suggest that COVID-19 acts like a “metabolic hurricane,” shifting the immune system making patients and survivors more vulnerable to secondary infections and comorbidities.
Study Findings
The odds of diagnosis in newly diagnosed COVID-19 non-hospitalized patients were much higher across the board for participants who have tested positive for COVID-19. These diagnoses were bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Other than these outpatient diagnoses, the risk ratio was determined to be 1.17 (CI 95% [1.15 – 1.19]).
Additionally, these people experienced higher rates of outpatient respiratory infections, risk ratio 1.46. This indicates a clear risk of long-term respiratory complications in individuals post COVID-19 recovery.
In addition to outpatient visits, the study highlighted a troubling trend: participants who had tested positive were more frequently admitted to hospitals for infectious illnesses. For these admissions the risk ratio was 1.41. Alarmingly, these patients had a substantially greater odds of sepsis-related hospitalization. They had a 35 percent higher risk ratio compared to children diagnosed with influenza.
Implications for Long-term Health
These results suggest compelling implications for our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on immune function. They cite growing susceptibility to other pathogens.
“These findings have important implications for understanding the potential impact of COVID-19 on long-term immune function and susceptibility to pathogens.” – Gabriel Chodick, PhD, MHA, from Tel Aviv University.
Studies indicate that clinicians should monitor individuals who have previously had COVID-19, especially closely. Finally, they should monitor for any indications of secondary infections to occur. This ongoing vigilance as evidenced by this study will be the first step in preventing longer-term downstream morbidities within this population.
