Long COVID Can Cause Impairments Similar to Influenza

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on, scientists and healthcare professionals have been working tirelessly to understand the long-term effects of the virus. One area of concern has been Long COVID, a condition where people continue to experience symptoms long after the initial infection has passed. Now, a new study has found that Long COVID can cause impairments similar to those seen in people who have had influenza.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at 173 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced symptoms for at least two months. The researchers found that these individuals reported symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating, which are also commonly seen in people with influenza.

According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Anil Nair, “Our findings suggest that Long COVID may have more in common with other post-viral syndromes, such as post-influenza fatigue syndrome, than with other chronic diseases like asthma or COPD.”

The researchers also found that Long COVID can cause a range of other impairments, including muscle weakness, joint pain, and sleep disturbances. In some cases, these impairments persisted for up to six months after the initial infection.

The findings have important implications for people who have had COVID-19 and are experiencing Long COVID symptoms. Dr. Nair notes that “our study underscores the need for continued research into the long-term effects of COVID-19, and the development of targeted therapies to treat these impairments.”

The study’s findings are also important for healthcare professionals who are treating people with Long COVID. “It’s important for healthcare providers to be aware that Long COVID can cause a range of impairments that may not be immediately apparent,” says Dr. Nair. “These impairments can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and it’s important to provide appropriate care and support.”

Overall, the study highlights the need for further research into Long COVID, and the importance of providing appropriate care and support to people who are experiencing the condition. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it’s clear that Long COVID will remain an area of concern for healthcare professionals and researchers alike.