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New Delhi, July 7, 2025 — A major study led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified severe Covid-19 hospitalisation, a family history of sudden deaths, and certain lifestyle behaviours as significant factors behind unexplained sudden deaths among young adults in India. The findings, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, come amid ongoing concerns about sudden, unexplained deaths in apparently healthy individuals aged 18-45 years.
The research was prompted by anecdotal reports linking these deaths to Covid-19 infection or vaccination. However, the ICMR study found no evidence that Covid-19 vaccination increases the risk of unexplained sudden death in young adults. In fact, the data suggest that receiving at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine actually lowers the odds of such deaths, with two doses providing even greater protection.
The multicentric, matched case-control study analysed 729 cases and 2,916 controls from 47 tertiary care hospitals across India. All cases involved individuals with no known co-morbidities who were reportedly healthy 24 hours prior to death, which occurred between October 2021 and March 2023. Controls were matched by age, gender, and neighbourhood.
Researchers collected information on Covid vaccination and infection history, family history of sudden death, smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption (including binge drinking), and vigorous-intensity physical activity in the 48 hours preceding death or interview. The study found that past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, binge drinking, recreational drug use, and intense physical activity shortly before death were all associated with an increased risk of unexplained sudden death.
The ICMR team concluded, “Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India. Past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death”.
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