WHO has provided a definition for long COVID, stating that it encompasses continuing or new symptoms that persist for at least three months after the start of a COVID infection and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. While the Eris COVID variant, along with other circulating strains, may be less severe than the original Alpha and Delta variants, there is still a risk of long COVID.
The prevalence of long COVID in Australia remains uncertain, with estimates varying from 2% to 20% of people developing the condition following a COVID infection. Earlier variants of the virus saw around 10% of infected individuals experiencing long COVID, while a recent study found that 18.2% of those infected went on to develop the condition. It is important to note that these estimates may differ due to factors such as different COVID variants, varying vaccination rates, and different definitions and assessment methods for long COVID.
Research suggests that certain factors, such as being female, having more severe initial disease, and having other health conditions, may increase the likelihood of developing long COVID. However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between new variants and the risk of long COVID.
COVID vaccines have shown to provide protection against long COVID, along with immunity from previous infections and antiviral treatments. While the Omicron variant may result in fewer cases of long COVID compared to previous variants, the high number of COVID cases in Australia still means a significant number of individuals may develop the condition. Each repeat infection also presents a new risk of prolonged symptoms.
Long COVID can have a profound impact on various aspects of a person’s life. Symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and others can reduce an individual’s ability to perform tasks and may lead to feelings of isolation and lack of support from health professionals. It is important for clinicians to validate the person’s experience, diagnose and treat any other health conditions, and support individuals in managing their symptoms through pacing physical and cognitive activities.
Preventing the transmission of COVID is the best way to avoid long COVID. This includes getting vaccinated or boosted, staying home when feeling unwell, wearing masks, testing for COVID when experiencing symptoms, and isolating until symptoms resolve.
In conclusion, long COVID is a persistent condition that can significantly impact individuals’ lives. More research is needed to understand its prevalence and risk factors with new variants. Providing support and appropriate care for those with long COVID is crucial, and preventing the spread of COVID through vaccination and other preventive measures remains essential.
Disclaimer: Only the headline and content of this report may have been reworked by Newsearay, staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. The Article was originally published on Source link
