The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned that many individuals continue to experience long-term Covid-19 symptoms (Long Covid) as the number of infections surpasses 200 million, while the reasons for this remain unclear.
Scientists believe that post-Covid syndrome is one of the most perplexing phenomena of the pandemic. “WHO is deeply concerned about post-Covid syndrome or long Covid-19,” Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the technical team at the United Nations health agency, stated on August 4.
According to Kerkhove, many individuals infected with the novel coronavirus endure long-lasting effects.
“We are not yet clear on how long these effects last. We are studying the typical symptoms to gain a better understanding and define post-Covid syndrome,” she said.
She noted that WHO is working to enhance rehabilitation programs for those experiencing long Covid-19 symptoms while also seeking solutions to address this condition.
WHO has held several workshops this year to expand knowledge about post-Covid syndrome, listening to input from scientists, doctors, and individuals who have experienced the illness.
Experts are uncertain why some individuals struggle to recover after the acute phase. They experience shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, brain fog (confusion, difficulty concentrating), heart rhythm disorders, and neurological issues.
Healthcare workers treating Covid-19 patients at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, July 2021. (Photo: AFP).
According to Janet Diaz, head of clinical care in WHO’s emergency program and leader of the long Covid response, the organization has documented over 200 different symptoms. Notable among these are chest pain, itching, and rashes.
Some patients have experienced symptoms since the acute phase. Some improve only to have the illness recur, with symptoms appearing and disappearing intermittently. Others exhibit symptoms after the acute phase, once they have fully recovered.
This research does not specify the exact causes leading to these symptoms, their severity, or the duration of each symptom.
“Individuals of all ages are affected by long-lasting symptoms for up to 6 months after contracting Covid-19,” confirmed Dr. Max Taquet, a researcher at NIHR.
According to TriNetX, a U.S. electronic health record network, the severity of the novel coronavirus infection, age, and gender influence the likelihood of developing long Covid syndrome.
A study published in PLOS Medicine indicated that those requiring hospitalization and females often experience persistent symptoms after recovery. Older populations and males tend to have respiratory and cognitive symptoms, while younger individuals and females commonly report headaches, abdominal issues, anxiety, or depression.
The study also revealed that individuals infected with the novel coronavirus who required hospitalization often experience brain fog and fatigue after recovery. Those treated at home frequently suffer from lingering headaches.
Previously, scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that post-Covid syndrome is one of the most challenging phenomena of the pandemic.
According to Professor Amitava Banerjee, a cardiovascular consultant at the University of London, findings regarding post-Covid symptoms highlight the urgent need for “large-scale deployment of healthcare services” to assist individuals in fully recovering after contracting the novel coronavirus.
