Common Virus May Quadruple Odds of New Back Problems, Study Finds

A common virus could increase the likelihood of developing new back problems by nearly four times, according to a recent study published in the Canada Communicable Disease Report. The research, conducted by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada, analyzed data from 8,809 adults between April 2022 and June 2023.

The findings indicate that individuals who experienced COVID-19 twice had a 76% higher chance of receiving a new medical diagnosis. Specifically, repeat infections were associated with almost four times the odds of developing new back problems and a five-fold increase in the chances of a new respiratory diagnosis. Those with a single infection also showed a 63% increased likelihood of a new medical diagnosis.

Individuals experiencing symptoms that persisted for three months or longer after infection had more than three times the odds of receiving a new diagnosis. The study's authors suggest that people with prolonged or severe symptoms may visit their doctors more frequently, potentially leading to the diagnosis of unrelated conditions. In some cases, persistent symptoms might indicate an undiagnosed condition.

The research identified that new diagnoses were more concentrated among older adults, smokers, individuals with obesity, those with disabilities, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Furthermore, adults who were not fully vaccinated before their initial infection faced a higher risk of new diagnoses, including cardiovascular conditions and high blood pressure.

These findings align with categories of individuals already identified as high-risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as adults aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, those with multiple chronic conditions, and unvaccinated persons.

Researchers emphasized that the study highlights the odds of a new diagnosis in one group compared to another, rather than an absolute risk of developing a new health condition. The study also noted that a previous study from the University of Texas at Austin suggested that COVID-19 can reactivate dormant viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, in some individuals.

As respiratory virus season approaches and COVID-19 cases see an uptick in certain regions, experts advise high-risk groups to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Additionally, individuals experiencing persistent symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, or chest pain after infection should consult a doctor to discuss these issues rather than solely attributing them to a past COVID-19 illness.