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Danish Research Reveals COVID-19 Poses Greater Risks Than Influenza

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Danish researchers emphasize the need for high-risk individuals to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations, highlighting ongoing health threats. From May 2022 to June 2024, COVID-19 hospitalizations in Denmark significantly outnumbered those from influenza. Mortality rates from COVID-19 were notably higher, particularly among certain demographics, including men and those with pre-existing conditions. Symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV often overlap, making testing essential for accurate diagnosis. Continued vaccination efforts remain crucial for vulnerable populations.

Continued Vaccination Recommendations for At-Risk Groups

Danish researchers are actively urging individuals in high-risk categories to prioritize vaccination against COVID-19. An analysis of data collected from May 2022 to June 2024 reveals that the coronavirus continues to pose the most significant health threat.

COVID-19’s Impact in Denmark

During the period between May 2022 and June 2024, approximately 24,000 people in Denmark required hospitalization due to COVID-19, according to a study conducted by the Copenhagen Statens Serum Institute. In contrast, influenza resulted in only about 8,300 hospitalizations, indicating a two-thirds reduction in patients associated with the flu.

Moreover, a study in the United States, which evaluated health data from 80,000 veterans during 2022 and 2023, confirmed that the coronavirus remains a more critical health threat than both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

COVID-19 Mortality Rates

Between 2022 and 2024, Denmark experienced a staggering five-fold increase in deaths from COVID-19 compared to influenza, with figures standing at 2,361 versus 489. Furthermore, the likelihood of dying from COVID-19 within 30 days of hospitalization was found to be 20% higher than that associated with influenza. American veterans also exhibited a greater long-term mortality risk from COVID-19 compared to influenza or RSV.

Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, unvaccinated individuals, and men are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The reasons behind men’s higher susceptibility to the virus remain unclear, though social factors such as smoking, obesity, and vaccination status may contribute. Additionally, female hormones may enhance immune responses in women.

Despite the significant decrease in lethality since the onset of the pandemic, experts like Ulrike Protzer of the Helmholtz Center Munich and Christian Drosten, a Berlin virologist, caution against complacency, noting that while COVID-19 and influenza are exhibiting increasingly similar effects, the situation remains serious.

Understanding Symptoms of COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

While the virus strains of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV differ, their symptoms often overlap. Common manifestations include dry cough, fever, fatigue, and body aches. However, the speed of onset varies significantly. Flu symptoms generally appear abruptly, causing severe discomfort within hours, often accompanied by a high fever. Conversely, COVID-19 and RSV tend to progress more gradually over several days. A distinctive symptom of severe RSV infections, prevalent among young children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, is wheezing during breathing.

The only reliable method to determine whether you have the flu, COVID-19, or RSV is through testing.

COVID-19: A Persistent Health Concern

Despite the current SARS-CoV-2 variants posing less of a threat than during the height of the pandemic, COVID-19 remains a serious illness. The Danish research team underscores the importance of ongoing containment efforts. The encouraging news is that preventive measures are available. Older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly encouraged to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations, ideally receiving protection against COVID-19, RSV, and influenza each year.

This subject was discussed in a report by BR24 on February 4, 2025, at 4:30 PM.

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