A new study suggests that severe respiratory infections like COVID-19 or influenza may increase a person’s long-term risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers analyzed health data and found that patients who had been hospitalized with severe cases of these viral illnesses were more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer several years later compared to the general population. The study proposes that the intense inflammation and tissue damage caused by a severe infection could create an environment in the lungs that promotes cancer development over time. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring long-term health in survivors of serious respiratory illnesses. Read the full article at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313055130.htm