A serious respiratory illness can feel like something you leave behind once the symptoms disappear. But researchers are beginning to suspect that the lungs may remember more than we think.
New findings suggest that severe viral infections could leave behind biological changes that quietly influence health years later.
A study from researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) indicates that severe cases of COVID-19 or influenza may increase the risk of lung cancer long after patients recover.
Lingering lung effects
The research, led by immunologist Jie Sun, PhD, at the UVA School of Medicine, examined how serious viral infections affect the lungs over time.
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The team found that intense infections can leave lung tissue in a prolonged inflammatory state. This environment may make it easier for cancer to develop later.
The scientists discovered that immune cells in the lungs can behave differently after a severe infection. Instead of returning fully to normal, some remain in a state that supports tumor growth.
Evidence from studies
To explore the connection, the researchers analyzed both laboratory experiments and patient data.
Mice that experienced severe lung infections developed lung cancer more often than those that did not. Human medical records showed a similar trend.
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People who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 were diagnosed with lung cancer about 1.24 times more often than those without such severe infections.
Possible prevention
The study also highlighted an encouraging result: vaccination appeared to protect against many of the harmful lung changes linked to cancer risk.
Scientists believe vaccines reduce the severity of infection, which limits long-term damage to lung tissue.
The researchers say the findings could influence future medical care, including:
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- closer monitoring of patients after severe respiratory infections
- earlier lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals
Sources: Science Daily and Cell
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