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Scientists announced what factors can trigger the so-called long COVID-19. Firstly, it is old age, and secondly, a wide range of symptoms that occur at the beginning of the disease. The studies available today show that one in 20 people will be sick for at least eight weeks. In contrast, analyzes from King’s College, London, found that female gender, overweight, and asthma increase the risk of developing long-term symptoms.
- “Long COVID” promises more than five different symptoms of infection in the first week, says Dr. Claire Steves of Kings College London
- According to Dr. Steves, men are at greater risk of severe disease and death, and women are more likely to suffer from “long COVID-19”
- Matt Hancock, UK secretary for health and social services, believes that public attention must be drawn to the fact that the coronavirus is not a choice and may have long-term effects
- You can find more about the coronavirus on the TvoiLokony home page
What influences the development of “long COVID-19”?
The aim of the research is to isolate the early warning signs of “long COVID” that will identify patients who require additional care or who could benefit from early prevention. The data for the research was obtained from people using the Covid Symptom Study application. Scientists scanned them for patterns that could predict long-term illness. The results, which will be published online, show that ‘long COVID’ can develop in anyone, but there are also factors that increase the risk.
“Having more than five different symptoms of infection in the first week is one of the major risk factors,” Dr Claire Steves of Kings College London told BBC News.
COVID-19 is not just a dry cough, the virus that causes it can affect all organs. Thus, someone who has had a cough, headache, diarrhea, has lost his sense of smell, and experiences fatigue is more at risk of long-term illness than someone who has only had a cough. The risk also increases with age. Especially if you are over 50 and a woman.
Dr Steves says: ‘Based on the data at the start of the pandemic, we see that men are much more likely to develop severe disease and, unfortunately, to die. On the other hand, it appears that women are at a higher risk of long COVID.
No comorbid disease contributed to the development of “long COVID” with the exception of asthma and lung disease.
What are the symptoms of “COVID debt”?
The exact symptoms vary from patient to patient, but fatigue is often mentioned.
In Vicky Bourne, 48, the infection started in March with a fever and mild cough that later became “terrifying”. The woman was breathing hard, she needed oxygen. She has not been hospitalized but has so far struggled with “long COVID-19”.
In October, Vicky’s health improved, but her eyesight is poor and she is experiencing “waves” of more severe ailments. Even taking her dog for a walk costs her so much energy that she cannot talk at the same time.
In an interview with the BBC he says: “I have distorted, almost arthritic joints and, even stranger, I completely lost my sense of taste and smell two weeks ago. I feel that there is some recurrent inflammation in my body that I cannot get rid of, comes and goes ”.
Research says that not only Vicky experiences similar symptoms:
- One in 7 people will be sick for at least 4 weeks
- One in 20 people will be sick for at least 8 weeks
- One in 45 people will be sick for at least 12 weeks
Researchers from Kings College have created a computer code that will catch infections in the initial stage, which can turn into “long COVID”. Unfortunately, its operation is far from perfect. Identifies correctly 69 percent. people who develop this syndrome, as well as about 25 percent. people who, despite their quick recovery, are at risk.
“We believe that such identification is important because we could apply some preventive strategies to those at risk, but also track their medical history and make sure they are properly rehabilitated,” concludes Dr. Claire Steves.
Professor Tim Spector, who heads the Covid Symptom Study, added: “From the perspective of managing a pandemic, it is not only the number of deaths that are important, but also those affected by long COVID.”
Matt Hancock, UK secretary for health and social care, says: “The results of the Covid Symptom Study should draw the public’s attention, including young people, to the fact that the coronavirus does not choose and can have dire long-term consequences.”
Are you infected with the coronavirus or someone close to you has COVID-19? Or maybe you work in the health service? Would you like to share your story or report any irregularities that you have witnessed or affected? Write to us at: [email protected]. We guarantee anonymity!
The UK government recently released a video promoting awareness of the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, and the UK’s health department has allocated £ 10 million to developing clinics to treat “long-term COVID” in the UK.
See also:
- The British have found a way to predict the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19
- The s are preparing a super vaccine. It is supposed to protect against flu and COVID-19 at the same time
- Coronavirus: How Much Do You Get Better? In severe cases, up to several months
- The bad news: The number of elderly people infected with the coronavirus is increasing in Europe
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