New study highlights impact of long Covid
A new review conducted by researchers from the Universities of Arizona, Oxford, and Leeds has provided an extensive overview of long COVID, highlighting its prevalence, underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and potential treatments. The study aims to address the growing concern over this post-acute COVID-19 condition that affects a significant portion of those who have recovered from the initial infection.
Long COVID is characterized by symptoms persisting for three months or more following an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can impact multiple organ systems and include fatigue, cognitive impairment—often referred to as ‘brain fog’—breathing difficulties, and various forms of discomfort. The review underscores that long COVID can affect individuals across all age groups, including children, with higher prevalence noted among females and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the reasons behind these disparities remain unclear.
Dr. Janko Nikolich, senior author of the study and director of the Aegis Consortium at the University of Arizona Health Sciences, emphasized the profound impact of long COVID. “Long COVID is a devastating disease with a profound human toll and socioeconomic impact,” said Nikolich. “By studying it in detail, we hope to understand the mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets, which could also benefit other chronic conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.”
The review notes that while vaccination and boosters have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing long COVID, a small percentage—3%-5%—of individuals worldwide still experience the condition after an acute infection. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 4%-10% of the adult population is affected, with 1 in 10 adults who contracted COVID-19 developing long-term symptoms.
The study reveals several biological mechanisms associated with long COVID, including viral persistence in the body, immune system disruptions, and microscopic blood clotting, even in those with initially mild infections. Despite these insights, no proven treatments currently exist, and management mainly focuses on symptom relief and rehabilitation.
Researchers call for the development of biomarkers, such as blood tests, to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of long COVID, as well as therapies targeting the root causes of the disease. Preventive measures recommended include wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, promptly taking antivirals if infected, avoiding strenuous exercise during illness, and staying current with vaccinations and boosters.
Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, lead author of the study from Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, expressed cautious optimism about the future of treatment options. “Long COVID is a dismal condition, but there are grounds for cautious optimism,” Greenhalgh noted. “Mechanism-based treatments are being tested in trials. If effective, these could provide precision therapies for specific subgroups. It is increasingly clear that long COVID imposes a significant social and economic burden. We need better ways to treat and support ‘long-haulers’—those unwell for two years or more, whose lives have been severely impacted.”
The review highlights the critical need for continued research and development to better understand and address long COVID, alleviating its substantial burden on individuals and society.
