Could people be suffering from a “long cold,” similar to long COVID?

TUESDAY, Oct. 10, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Long-lasting COVID-19, a constellation of symptoms that extend beyond the initial illness, has become a recognized condition.

But researchers say COVID-19 may not be the only respiratory virus responsible for these long-term health effects: “long colds” may also exist. “Our findings reveal more than just the long-term impact of COVID-19 on people’s lives,” said lead author Giulia Vivaldi, a researcher at Queen Mary University of London. “A lack of awareness, or even a common terminology, can hinders reporting and diagnosis of these illnesses.” In the study, researchers compared the prevalence and severity of long-term symptoms after COVID-19 cases with those after another acute respiratory infection (who tested negative for COVID-19). Those recovering from COVID-19 are more likely to feel dizzy or light-headed. Compared with people with non-COVID-19 respiratory infections, they have problems with their sense of taste and smell after illness. While people with a “long cold” didn’t appear to have such symptoms, they did develop symptoms including coughing, stomach pain and diarrhea that lasted for more than four weeks. The severity of the disease appears to contribute to these other symptoms. Other respiratory illnesses may include colds, flu, and pneumonia. “As research into long-term COVID-19 continues, we must take the opportunity to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections,” Vivaldi said in a press release from the university. “These ‘long-term’ infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, primarily because diagnostic tests are lacking and there are so many possible symptoms. More than 200 people were investigated for long-term COVID-19 infection alone. “He added. From the national COVID-19 study launched in 2020 by Queen Mary University of London. The study included more than 19,000 participants. The study was published online in the Lancet journal EClinicalMedicine on October 6, Analyzed data from more than 10,000 UK adults. Adrian Martineau, lead researcher and clinical professor at COVIDENCE UK, said: “Our findings were positive despite a negative nasal or throat swab test result. May be consistent with the experiences of those who have struggled with symptoms for a long time after a respiratory infection. “Respiratory Infection and Immunity Research, Queen Mary University of London. “Continued research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections is important because it can help us get to the root of why some people have symptoms longer than others. others,” Martino said. “Ultimately, this can help us determine the most appropriate form of treatment and care for those affected. ” More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on long-term COVID-19. Source: Queen Mary University of London, press release, 6 October 2023.