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.
"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.
