Long Covid continues to challenge survivors
WHO answers, what are the symptoms?
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals grapple with a perplexing and debilitating condition known as long Covid.
Beyond the initial respiratory symptoms, some survivors are experiencing persistent health issues that extend far beyond the typical recovery period.
As the medical community intensifies its efforts to understand and address this lingering challenge, those affected by long Covid share their stories, shedding light on the need for comprehensive support and research.
Long Covid, also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), encompasses a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial infection.
While the severity and duration vary among individuals, common complaints include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog, and loss of taste or smell. These persistent symptoms profoundly impact the quality of life for those affected.
Jane Turner, a 38-year-old marketing executive, is one of the many individuals confronting the challenges of long Covid-19.
She contracted the virus in early 2021 and, despite her initial recovery from the acute phase, continues to grapple with debilitating fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
“It feels like a never-ending battle,” she says. “I used to be so active and energetic, and now even simple tasks leave me exhausted.”
Multiple organ systems
The medical community is grappling with the complex nature of long Covid, as the symptoms affect multiple organ systems.
Dr Sarah Mitchell, an infectious disease specialist, explains, “We are witnessing a diverse array of symptoms affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing targeted treatments is a significant challenge.”
Research initiatives are underway to unravel the mysteries of long Covid. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has allocated substantial funding to support studies investigating the long-term effects of the virus.
Scientists are exploring potential links between persistent symptoms and immune system dysregulation, viral persistence, and the impact on blood vessels and the heart.
Dr Michael Ramirez, a researcher leading a long Covid study, insists on a multidisciplinary approach.
“We are collaborating with experts from various fields—immunology, cardiology, neurology—to piece together the puzzle of long Covid. It requires a comprehensive understanding to develop effective interventions and therapies.”
In addition to the physical toll, long Covid takes a toll on mental health. The uncertainty and frustration associated with ongoing symptoms contribute to anxiety and depression among survivors.
Essential care
Support groups and mental health resources are essential to long Covid care, recognising the interconnected nature of physical and psychological well-being.
Governments and healthcare systems are also adapting to address the unique challenges long Covid poses.
Some countries have established dedicated clinics for comprehensive care, bringing together specialists to provide holistic support for those navigating the aftermath of the virus.
As the world grapples with the evolving landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic, the plight of long Covid survivors serves as a stark reminder of the virus’s far-reaching impact. Advocacy groups call for increased awareness, research, and resources to address the needs of those with persistent symptoms.
For individuals like Jane Turner, the hope lies in better understanding the condition and developing targeted therapies.
“I want people to know that long Covid is real, and it’s a daily struggle,” she says. “We need support, understanding, and, most importantly, answers.”
As the global community continues its battle against the pandemic, the challenges posed by long Covid underscore the importance of a sustained and collaborative effort to confront the complex and multifaceted consequences of the virus.
WHO resource on long Covid
If you have suffered from Covid-19 and are still feeling the symptoms, could it be long-term Covid? The World Health Organization (WHO) questions?
What are the symptoms? Are treatments available? WHO’s Dr Jamie Rylance explains in Science in 5.
Science in 5 is WHO’s conversation in science.
Featured image: The persistent symptoms of long Covid profoundly impact the quality of life for those affected. Image: Towfiqu Barbhuiya
