Respiratory viruses linked to long-term lung and heart complications

A systematic review published in the journal Respirology, led by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School, indicates that influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause lingering health issues for months. Analyzing 13 observational studies involving over 631,000 people, the review found that lung dysfunction is a frequent complication following influenza, while heart-related events were most consistently observed after RSV infections.

As the respiratory virus season approaches, health guidance emphasizes the importance of immunization against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV to reduce severe illness and healthcare strain. In California, updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XFG Omicron subvariant are available. Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the California Department of Public Health, recommend staying current with vaccinations to prevent hospitalization and community transmission.