British researchers report a potential risk to both physical and mental health after Covid-19. The findings, published in Nature Human Behavior, come from a large-scale analysis that follows participants over time to understand how SARS-CoV-2 infection might affect well-being beyond the acute illness.
In the study, data from the UK Biobank were used to compare three groups: individuals with a current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection (26,101 participants), those with no current infection at the time of assessment (380,337 participants), and a pre-pandemic control group (390,621 participants). The researchers tracked a range of mental health outcomes across these cohorts to gauge longer-term impact.
The results indicate that people who had been infected show a higher risk of developing mental health problems in the months and years following infection. The analysis points to increased vulnerability to a spectrum of conditions, including psychotic experiences, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol use concerns, and sleep disturbances, compared with the non-infected groups. These patterns underscore the importance of monitoring mental health in the wake of infection and ensuring access to appropriate support and treatment options for those affected.
Separately, scientists from Brighton and Sussex Medical School identified a potential link between joint hypermobility — a condition where joints move beyond the typical range of motion — and a higher likelihood of experiencing long-term symptoms after Covid-19. This line of research suggests that physical factors related to connective tissue may influence the trajectory of recovery, highlighting the value of comprehensive assessments that consider both physical and neurological factors when managing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In related clinical observations, medical professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing gait patterns and mobility issues as possible indicators of broader health needs. Clinicians may consider how mobility limitations interact with overall health status when planning treatment, rehabilitation, and, when necessary, interventions such as joint replacement. This nuanced approach can help tailor care to individual patients, integrating orthopedic, neurologic, and rehabilitative perspectives to optimize outcomes.