The risk of long COVID was two to three times higher after the initial infection (14.8%) than after first (5.8%) or second (5.3%) reinfections.
Plaque growth can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular events for as long as 1 year.
Post-exertional malaise, or exercise intolerance, was seen in 36% of those with long COVID.
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Relative to flu patients, those infected with Omicron BA.5 had higher rates of vasopressor use, renal replacement therapy, and in-hospital death.
Flu and COVID indicators continued upward trends, with different regions reporting the most intensive activity.
Most critically ill children were unvaccinated or hadn't completed their primary series.
Long-term brain-related complications may be more tied to overall illness severity and hospitalization than specific cause, the authors said.
Researchers looked at blood levels of serum inflammatory proteins (cytokines), antibodies, and brain (neuroglial) injury proteins.
Over the course of the study, most participants were eligible for antiviral use.
Emergency department visits for COVID were highest in infants and older adults.
The researchers say healthcare providers, public health officials must encourage vaccination, especially for those at highest risk.
While antiviral drugs are widely available, the researchers say they are underused, perhaps because patients fear viral rebound after treatment.
Long-COVID patients had reduced heart rate variability at rest and during deep breathing,
