Title: “New Study Shows Long-term Symptoms in Respiratory Infections Extend Beyond COVID”
Subtitle: “Research suggests a ‘long cold’ phenomenon, but distinctions remain with long COVID”
Byline: Giulia Vivaldi, Queen Mary University of London
Date: [current date]
In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have discovered that long-term symptoms can be present in respiratory infections other than COVID-19. The findings shed light on the impact of not only long COVID but also a potential “long cold” or “long flu” that is currently being overlooked.
With COVID-19 infecting millions around the world, it is estimated that at least 10% of patients experience symptoms that persist for more than four weeks after the initial infection. This translates to tens of millions of individuals living with the long-lasting consequences of COVID, known as “long COVID.” Fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as “brain fog,” are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of this condition.
However, a new paper authored by Giulia Vivaldi and colleagues reveals that the presence of long-term symptoms is not exclusive to COVID-19. The study involved more than 10,000 participants reporting on symptoms commonly associated with long COVID, such as fatigue, breathlessness, body aches, and dizziness. The participants were grouped into three categories: those who had reported COVID-19, those who had reported another acute respiratory infection (but tested negative for COVID-19), and those who had not reported any infection.
Surprisingly, the study found that all the considered symptoms were more prevalent in individuals who had experienced previous COVID-19 infections, regardless of whether they had long COVID or not. However, this was not an isolated finding. Most of the symptoms studied were also more common in individuals with non-COVID respiratory infections compared to those with no infection at all.
This suggests that the existence of a “long cold” phenomenon could be a possibility, highlighting long-lasting health effects resulting from respiratory infections such as colds, flu, or pneumonia that are currently not recognized. The most commonly reported symptoms of this potential “long cold” included coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhea, which typically appeared an average of 11 weeks after the infection.
The study also emphasized important differences between long COVID and the “long cold.” Symptoms experienced by individuals recovering from COVID-19 were found to include light-headedness or dizziness, as well as problems with taste and smell. It is essential to note that the severity and duration of symptoms in the “long cold” were not addressed, and further research is necessary to fully understand these differences.
One significant obstacle hindering the recognition and diagnosis of these long-lasting symptoms is the lack of awareness and a common terminology, such as “long cold” or “long flu.” Individuals suffering from the “long cold” may have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis due to the wide range of symptoms and the absence of diagnostic tests.
The notion of long-lasting symptoms following respiratory infections is not new. Previous studies have found long-term impacts on lung function, quality of life, and mental health in survivors of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks. Several influenza A patients have also experienced respiratory and psychological problems long after being discharged from the hospital. However, such research has primarily focused on individuals with severe disease, often requiring hospitalization. Little is known about the long-term effects of respiratory infections on individuals with less severe initial symptoms.
Long COVID has changed this trend, with research focusing on individuals with all levels of disease severity, even those with mild symptoms. Patient advocacy has played a vital role in bringing attention to post-infection syndromes. As we strive for recognition of their condition, we must expand our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. This is not the time to wait for another pandemic; action is needed now.
Disclaimer: This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.