A common virus could cause more than just a cough.
With cold and flu season quickly approaching as summer turns to fall, the chances of getting sick from influenza or COVID are also increasing.
And a new study from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada indicates unexpected risks from one virus in particular.
The CDC recently reported that more people are seeking emergency medical care for COVID-19, and is increasing across the country.
As the potential for cases increases, research published in the Canada Communicable Disease Report found a link between the virus and the chances of being diagnosed with a new medical condition.
Analyzing data from 8,809 adults between April 2022 and June 2023, researchers found that those who had COVID twice had 76% higher odds of receiving a new diagnosis.
Repeat infections were associated with nearly four times the odds of new back problems, while the chances of receiving a new respiratory diagnosis were connected to a five times increase.
Meanwhile, those who experienced one infection also saw 63% odds of a new medical diagnosis.
And those who had symptoms that lingered for three months or longer had more than three times the odds.
These findings come on the heels of the CDC estimating earlier this month that COVID infections are currently increasing or likely to in 35 states.
The researchers behind the study believe that because those with long-lasting or severe symptoms visit their doctors more often, they’re more likely to get a diagnosis for an unrelated condition as well.
They also estimate that prolonged symptoms may be due to an undiagnosed condition, in a reverse-causation pattern.
New diagnoses were concentrated among older adults, as well as those who smoked, had obesity, a disability or were living with at least one existing health condition.
The study also found that adults who weren’t fully vaccinated before their first infection had higher odds of a diagnosis for a new medical condition, such as cardiovascular conditions and high blood pressure.
These findings follow the categories of people who are high-risk for severe COVID, including adults 65 and older, immunocompromised people, those with multiple chronic conditions and anyone without an up-to-date vaccine.
The researchers emphasize that the findings are not an absolute risk of getting sick or discovering a new health condition.
Rather, they’re the chances of one group (those who had COVID twice) getting a new diagnosis compared to another.
Earlier this summer, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin released a study suggesting that COVID-19 can flip the switch on long-dormant viruses quietly hiding inside the bodies of unvaccinated people who were otherwise healthy.
This included Epstein-Barr virus and other members of the herpes family, which can lurk in the body for years before flaring up.
With peak COVID season coming up and potential infections already increasing, experts recommend that high-risk groups ensure their vaccinations are updated.
Meanwhile, those who have been infected twice and have developed persistent symptoms, including breathlessness, fatigue or chest pain, should discuss them with a doctor instead of solely attributing them to COVID.
