Have symptoms for more than four weeks

The dramatic escalation and rapid spread of Covid-19 resulted in large numbers of deaths around the world, but survivors continue to suffer symptoms to this day.According to the World Health Organization, up to 20% of people infected have been infected —or— victims COVID-19 (persistent or long-lasting coronavirus), the scientific community is therefore focused on understanding the mechanisms of this post-infectious condition. Although SARS-CoV-2 It’s not the only cause of long-term symptoms.

A recent study published in the journal demonstrates this electronic clinical medicine —Titled lancet— A study of more than 10,000 people shows that symptoms of other acute respiratory infections can be similar to those of Extended beyond four weeks.

“Our results indicate that there is long period of coldthe long-term health effects of other respiratory infections, e.g. cold, flu or pneumoniaand currently they go unnoticed” Giulia Vivaldi, an epidemiologist and lead author of the study, explained in a statement released by her institution, Queen Mary University of London.

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“With the emergence of COVID-19, this issue has become very apparent, but those of us interested in infection We already know this can happen.” Rosario Menéndez, a pulmonologist and director of the respiratory infection research program of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), clarified to La Stampa. “The point is, not much conversation“He continued.

previous example

A study of two survivors Previous coronavirus outbreaks (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome pandemic and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak) to find long-term effects on lung function. Meanwhile, some people are hospitalized with infections Influenza A experienced Breathing problems develop at least two years after discharge.

There are several examples from history, but as Vivaldi explains and Menéndez confirms, before the COVID-19 outbreak, the general public was not very aware that many of the acute respiratory infections we contract are classified as Not too serious They can cause very long-lasting symptoms Impair quality of life people.

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“A lack of awareness, or even a common term such as ‘long cold’ or ‘long flu,’ hinders the reporting and diagnosis of these illnesses. People who report long colds may have Difficulty getting medical advice

due to the wide range of symptoms and lack of diagnostic testing,” the epidemiologist continued.

In May 2022, an article titled unexplained acute postinfectious syndrome (Unexplained acute post-infectious syndrome, Spanish) and published in nature studied the same problem in depth.The conclusion is similar to what was stated: this problem poses a huge health burden, but The necessary means are not yet in place Understand the underlying mechanisms. We know they exist, but today they remain a mystery.

Slow recovery

In the absence of new research to provide clues, Menendez explains that whether you have a chronic cold depends on two main factors: severity of incident The person has had and Basic illness. “Having any respiratory illness can make certain symptoms last longer,” he said.

While studies have successfully distinguished COVID-19 from other mild respiratory infections, the rest of the symptoms are equally variable.Obviously, the former is more likely to develop in the future Taste and smell problems, and dizziness or lightheadedness. The latter focuses more on persistent coughing and hoarseness. They all seemed to agree on dyspnea and fatigue.

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Regarding severity, the study showed that symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection seems more serious

But as Menendez points out, the sample they used was made up of people who had not yet been vaccinated when they contracted the disease, which could exacerbate subsequent events.

“I always say the body breaks down quickly, but Recovery is slowsaid the doctor. Going beyond the myth that colds last longer these days, she made it clear that sometimes, even things like simple Like a cold, it’s hard to get rid of. Therefore, he concluded: “We all want to recover as quickly as possible, but we must realize that the body’s recovery is slower than it looks.”