Madrid, October 7 (European Media) –
In late spring 2020, it was observed that some Covid-19 patients were still experiencing symptoms weeks after overcoming the initial infection; for many patients, the weeks turned into months. These patients were diagnosed with “ongoing”, “long-term” or “permanent” Covid-19, which had the shortest duration (three months), and affected patients had common associated symptoms (mostly).
Now the term and its concept have spread to other respiratory illnesses, such as colds. If you develop cough, stomach pain, and diarrhea more than 4 weeks after your initial respiratory and acute infection and it is confirmed that it is not COVID-19, you have a “permanent cold.” Although this might just be a name we’re giving to the “uncured colds” we’ve been referring to throughout our lives.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London (UK) have found that people may develop long-term symptoms associated with this condition after catching a cold. The study and its conclusions, published in The Lancet’s EClinical Medicine, note that while disease severity appears to be a key factor in the risk of long-term symptoms, more research is underway to determine why some people develop long-term symptoms. symptoms, while others do not.
The findings suggest that non-Covid-19 acute respiratory infections, such as colds, flu or pneumonia, may have lasting health effects that are currently unrecognized. However, researchers don’t yet have evidence that these symptoms are of the same severity or duration as the coronavirus.
The study, funded by Barts Charity, compared the prevalence and severity of long-term symptoms after an episode of Covid-19 with that after another episode of acute respiratory infection in which a person tested negative for Covid-19. People who have recovered from Covid-19 are more likely to experience dizziness or lightheadedness and problems with their sense of taste and smell than people who have had a respiratory infection unrelated to Covid-19.
Although long-term COVID-19 is now a recognized disease, few studies have compared long-term symptoms after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with other respiratory infections.
The study is the latest results from COVIDENCE UK, the national COVID-19 study at Queen Mary University of London, which launched in 2020 and is still being followed with more than 19,000 participants enrolled. The study analyzed data from 10,171 British adults, collecting responses via questionnaires and conducting statistical analysis to identify clusters of symptoms.
Dr. Giulia Vivaldi, a researcher at Queen Mary University of London and lead author of the study, said her findings not only shed light on the impact of long-term COVID-19 on people’s lives, but also the impact of other respiratory infections. “A lack of awareness, and even a lack of common terminology, hinders the reporting and diagnosis of these conditions,” he said.
As research into “persistent” COVID-19 continues, researchers say the opportunity should be used to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections. “These ‘long-term’ infections are very difficult to diagnose and treat, mainly due to the lack of diagnostic tests and the large number of possible symptoms. Just over 200 Covid-19 cases have been investigated for a long time,” he said.
On the other hand, Professor Adrian Martineau, the chief researcher of the British new crown epidemic and clinical professor of respiratory infection and immunity at Queen Mary University of London, said that their “other findings may be relevant to those who have long-term symptoms after being infected with the new coronavirus.” consistent with the experiences of those who struggle.” Having a respiratory infection despite testing negative for COVID-19.
Ongoing research into the long-term effects of Covid-19 and other acute respiratory infections is important as it may help get to the root of why some people experience symptoms for longer than others. Ultimately, this can help determine the most appropriate form of treatment and care for affected individuals.
“These findings highlight the long-term symptoms that people experience not only after being infected with COVID-19, but also after other acute respiratory infections. As we learn more about long-term symptoms of COVID-19 and its possible treatments, Research like this helps raise awareness of other long-term symptoms. “Long-term respiratory infections can go unnoticed,” concluded Victoria King, director of funding and impact at Butts Charity.