Long COVID: 10 facts and figures
In this article we will describe 10 facts and figures about long COVID, focussing on its symptoms, causes, and treatment. Let’s start with the basics.
Most people recover from coronavirus (COVID-19) in 1-2 weeks. In a few people symptoms last longer than 12 weeks. This is referred to as long COVID.
1. Definition
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to symptoms persisting for weeks or months after the acute phase of COVID-19. It is generally considered when symptoms last beyond 12 weeks.
2. How common is it?
Long COVID affects a significant portion of those who recover from the initial infection. Estimates suggest that about 10-30% of individuals with COVID-19 may experience long-term symptoms.
3. Who gets it?
Long COVID can affect anyone, regardless of the severity of their initial infection. However, it appears to be more common in women, older adults, and those with preexisting health conditions.
4. Symptoms
Long COVID symptoms vary widely but often include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, and brain fog. Other symptoms can include heart palpitations, sleep difficulties, and loss of taste or smell.
5. Cause/underlying mechanism
The exact cause of long COVID is unknown, and still under investigation. Potential mechanisms include persistent viral infection, immune system dysregulation, inflammation, and damage to various organs during the acute phase of infection.
6. Diagnosis
Diagnosing long COVID can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms and lack of specific diagnostic tests. Diagnosis often relies on clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other potential causes for the symptoms.
7. Treatment
There is no specific cure for long COVID. Management typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, addressing individual symptoms through physical therapy, medication, mental health support, and lifestyle modifications.
8. Complications
COVID-19 is a multi-systemic disease, which may occur with complications at presentation or developing during the acute phase of illness, or long-term (long COVID). These complications may be respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, gastrohepatic, thromboembolic, neurological, cerebrovascular and autoimmune amongst others.
There is more information on the complications of long COVID here.
9. Prevention and research
Research on long COVID is ongoing, with studies focusing on understanding its mechanisms, identifying risk factors, and developing effective treatments. Longitudinal studies are crucial for tracking the long-term effects of the condition.
10. 5 myths about long COVID
Myth 1. You can only get long COVID after a serious case of COVID
Myth 2. Long COVID is a psychological issue
Myth 3. Long COVID only happens to people with underlying health issues
Myth 4. Long COVID only lasts a couple of months
Myth 5. Long COVID is rare.
These are all untrue. There is more on myths about long COVID here.
Other information
Public health implications
Long COVID presents a significant public health challenge, with implications for healthcare systems, employment, and social support networks. Efforts to address long COVID include raising awareness, funding research, and developing guidelines for diagnosis and management.
Impact on quality of life
Long COVID can significantly impact quality of life, affecting the ability to work, perform daily activities, and overall physical and mental health. Some individuals report profound disability and reduced quality of life.
Summary
We have described 10 facts and figures about long COVID, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment. We hope it has been helpful.
Other resources
Long-term effects of long COVID (NHS Scotland)
Long-term effects of long COVID (NHS England)
Long COVID (CDC)
COVID inquiry: every story matters
Long COVID (BBC)
What is long COVID?
