Friday, December 15, 2023

You’ve heard of Long COVID. How about Long Flu?

Plus more health news |

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You should know: Long Flu is also a thing
By Jamie Ducharme
Health Correspondent

Over the past few years, I’ve heard lots of people say something like this: “I’m not feeling well. But don’t worry—it’s not COVID.”

I get why people think that way after years of COVID-focused public-health messaging, and I’m sure I’ve said similar things myself. But the idea that COVID-19 is the only illness worth worrying about isn’t entirely accurate, as a new study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases demonstrates.

The study found that, as with COVID-19, a significant portion of people who have a severe case of the seasonal flu go on to experience long-term health issues, an outcome co-author Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly calls “Long Flu.” Other researchers have reached similar conclusions, finding that symptoms can linger long after someone gets infected with influenza, pneumonia, or even a common cold. The takeaway, Al-Aly says, is that “infections deserve respect,” and we should all do what we can to avoid spreading germs of all kinds.

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EXPERT ADVICE

"If you’re trying to cut back on alcohol, organize a non-alcoholic wine tasting. Invite friends and have them bring bottles, too. Make a charcuterie or cheese plate and try everything with food."

—Derek Brown, author of "Mindful Mixology"

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Today's newsletter was written by Jamie Ducharme and edited by Elijah Wolfson.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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