"Study Links COVID to Increased Risk of Autoimmune Diseases for 1 Year"

A study involving over 10 million Korean and 12 million Japanese patients suggests that COVID-19 may elevate the risk of autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) for up to a year after infection, with greater severity of COVID-19 linked to an increased risk of AIRD. Vaccination, however, appears to be protective, with the rate of AIRD lower among vaccinated COVID-19 patients. The findings emphasize the need for close attention to manifestations of AIRD in COVID-19 survivors, particularly after severe illness.