NEARLY a third of 19- to 29-year-olds hospitalised with Covid-19 developed further health conditions, new research laying bare the risk of long-term problems associated with the virus has found. 

The study of more than 70,000 adults in Britain admitted to hospital with severe Covid-19 during the first wave also found that 37 per cent of 30- to 39-year-olds experienced a complication. 

Researchers claim that the study, published yesterday, contradicts current narratives that the virus is only dangerous to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

They warned that risks to Covid-19 survivors, and not just mortality, must be considered when easing restrictions.

Chief investigator and joint senior author of the study Professor Calum Semple from the University of Liverpool, said he was “distraught” to see the high numbers of young people having complications.

He added that while young people would not die from Covid-19, they “will be damaged by this disease and its legacy,” which he warned could have a significant impact on their futures. 

The study found that half of all patients developed one or more health conditions while in hospital. The most common was kidney injury, followed by lung and then heart complications.