Severe Respiratory Infections Get Campfire Analogy, May Elevate Long-Term Lung Cancer Risk

Research highlighted by James DeGregori, PhD, suggests that severe COVID-19 or flu infections may create lasting changes in the lungs that increase future lung cancer risk. DeGregori compares these lingering effects to embers left by a campfire, harmless until a strong wind reignites them, suggesting how infection could trigger later health problems.