Over 50 Long-term Effects of COVID-19 Identified

Scientists have detected more than 50 long-term effects of COVID-19, with mild to debilitating symptoms lasting for weeks to months after recovery.

A study by Houston Methodist found that the most common of these lingering symptoms are fatigue at 58 per cent, followed by headache (44 per cent), attention disorder (27 per cent), hair loss (25 per cent), shortness of breath (24 per cent), loss of taste (23 per cent) and loss of smell (21 per cent).

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‘In total, the team identified 55 persistent symptoms, signs and abnormal laboratory results, with most of the lingering effects similar to the symptomatology developed during the acute phase of COVID-19.’

Other symptoms were related to lung disease, such as cough, chest discomfort, reduced pulmonary diffusing capacity, sleep apnea and pulmonary fibrosis; cardiovascular issues, such as arrhythmias and myocarditis; and unspecific problems, such as tinnitus and night sweats.

The researchers were surprised to also find a prevalence of neurological symptoms, such as dementia, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

For the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the team analysed 47,910 patients from 15 peer-reviewed studies conducted in the US, Europe, the UK, Australia, China, Egypt and Mexico.

Green Fungus or Aspergillosis and COVID-19 Infection
Green fungus or Aspergillosis is caused by a common mold, which exists both indoors and outdoors. Every day, people inhale Aspergillus spores, but it isn't harmful. However, it affects people who have a weak immune system. If the infection is left untreated, it can cause pneumonia.

They measured several biomarkers, including abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan, blood clot risk, presence of inflammation, anemia, and indicators of possible heart failure, bacterial infection and lung damage.

They found 80 per cent of recovered adults had at least one long-term symptom lasting weeks to months after acute infection with mild, moderate or severe Covid-19.

Mucormycosis (Black Fungal Disease): A Complication of COVID-19
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Identifying these same persistent effects across several countries, the researchers say their study confirms the burden of Long Covid is substantial and stresses the urgency of recognising these chronic complications, clearly communicating them to the community and defining therapeutic strategies to avoid long-term consequences from Covid-19.

The next phase of their research will focus on determining what makes some individuals more susceptible to Long Covid.

COVID in Children | Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in Children
Covid-19 virus has affected many children during the second wave. Many factors play a role in COVID in children and the management of COVID in children. Therefore, it is highly essential for parents to know and understand the symptoms in children.

Source-IANS