Comparison of Complications After Coronavirus Disease and Seasonal Influenza, South Korea

January 2022 in “ Emerging infectious diseases ”

Hyejin Lee, Ho Kyung Sung, Do Kyung Lee, Yeonmi Choi, Ji Yoon Lee, Jin Yong Lee, Myoung‐don Oh

TLDR COVID-19 generally causes fewer complications than influenza, except for certain conditions like hair loss and heart issues.

A retrospective cohort study in South Korea compared complications from COVID-19 and influenza using claims data. It found that 19.6% of COVID-19 patients and 28.5% of influenza patients experienced at least one new complication. COVID-19 patients generally had a lower or similar risk of complications compared to influenza patients, except for hair loss, heart failure, mood disorder, and dementia, where COVID-19 patients had a higher risk. Young to middle-aged adults and those in COVID-19 hotspots were more vulnerable to complications. The study suggested that if COVID-19's fatality rate could be reduced through vaccination, management strategies might be adjusted to resemble those for influenza, potentially easing economic and isolation restrictions.

View this study on wwwnc.cdc.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research The Role of Androgens in COVID-19

40 citations , October 2020 in “Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews”

Higher androgen levels might make COVID-19 worse, especially in men.

research Androgenetic Alopecia Present in the Majority of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: The 'Gabrin Sign'

119 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Most COVID-19 patients in hospitals have androgenetic alopecia, more in men, suggesting a link between androgen sensitivity and severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Hair loss & coffee consumption — curious about your experience

in Chat 13 upvotes 1 week ago

People shared their experiences with coffee consumption and hair loss, with mixed results. Some noticed more hair loss with increased caffeine, while others saw no effect or even hair regrowth, often using treatments like finasteride and minoxidil.

community Hair loss help- on minoxidil and finasteride

in Minoxidil 3 upvotes 1 week ago

A 26-year-old male is using oral minoxidil and finasteride to treat hair loss, experiencing prolonged shedding despite 6 months of treatment. Others share similar experiences, suggesting persistence with the treatment may eventually lead to improvement.

community The Real Reason For Hair Loss?

in Research/Science 1 week ago

Hair loss is linked to scalp fibrosis and tension, which result from chronic mechanical stress and androgenic signaling. Treatments include blocking androgens with finasteride, promoting hair growth with topical minoxidil, and improving scalp mobility through exercises.

community Hair Loss "a matter of survival" in South Korea

in Research/Science 332 upvotes 1 week ago

South Korea's president is advocating for hereditary hair loss to be covered by national health insurance due to its impact on mental health and daily functioning. The discussion highlights the societal pressure in South Korea regarding appearance and the potential benefits of treating hair loss to improve mental health.

community ‘Matter of survival’: South Korean president urges public health cover for hair loss

in Treatment 654 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Hair loss impacts mental health and should be covered by healthcare, with treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil being affordable and effective. Some argue hair loss is cosmetic and shouldn't be funded, while others highlight its broader health implications.

community Hair loss stable for 8+ years – is it still possible to regrow, or should I just accept it?

in General 147 upvotes 1 month ago

A user is considering starting treatments like Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Microneedling for hair thinning, despite stable hair loss for over 8 years. They are unsure if the presence of miniaturized hairs indicates potential for regrowth or if they should accept the current state.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

226 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Iron deficiency may be related to hair loss, but there's not enough evidence to recommend iron screening or supplements for all hair loss patients.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.