Long COVID Hits Certain Groups Harder, Symptoms Vary and Persist
Long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist beyond two months after an initial COVID-19 infection, affects certain groups more frequently. These include individuals assigned female at birth, those living with obesity or overweight, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. The severity of the initial infection does not dictate long COVID occurrence.
Long COVID symptoms can vary greatly and may include diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle pain, memory and thinking difficulties, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, stomach upset, and PTSD-like symptoms. These symptoms can come and go, lasting for 6 months or even longer.
Managing long COVID involves supportive care such as therapy, medications, physical therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The duration of symptoms is influenced by multiple factors including chronic stress, nervous system overactivation, mitochondrial function, immune system dysregulation, hormonal imbalances, and environmental toxins. Age and vaccination status may also impact symptom duration. While vaccination may reduce long COVID risk, further research is needed to confirm this.
Long COVID is a complex condition affecting specific groups more frequently. Its symptoms can be varied and long-lasting, requiring supportive care. Factors influencing symptom duration are numerous, and while vaccination may help, more research is needed to fully understand and manage this condition.
Read also:
- Abu Dhabi initiative for comprehensive genetic screening, aiming to diagnose over 800 conditions and enhance the health of future generations in the UAE.
- Elderly shingles: Recognizing symptoms, potential problems, and available treatments
- Exploring the Reasons, Purposes, and Enigmas of Hiccups: Delving into Their Origins, Roles, and Unsolved Aspects
- Various forms of cataracts include nuclear, pediatric, traumatic, and additional types
