Non-Covid flu symptoms can also continue for more than 11 weeks
According to a study conducted by Queen Mary University of London and published in the magazine EClinicalMedicineacute respiratory infections not related to Covid-19 can also lead to long-term symptoms. This condition, called long cold or long cold, is characterized by the persistence of symptoms such as cough, stomach pain and diarrhea for a period of more than 4 weeks after the initial infection. The research results suggest the possibility of a long-term impact on health, up to the development of real flu or pneumonia. This is when we talk about long cold, the treatments available and why is different from long Covid.
Long Cold: the results of the study
—
Long Covid is a syndrome that occurs after recovery from Covid-19 and is characterized by persistence of symptoms in the long term even after negativization. According to a study funded by National Institutes of Healththe symptoms can be different and lasting, including fatigue, mental confusion, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, heart palpitations, sexual problems, loss of smell or taste, chronic cough, and chest pain. Other symptoms may affect the system respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal or have a psychological nature. These include shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, headache, difficulty concentrating, disturbances in smell, taste and hearing, gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety. The symptoms of long cold instead include cough, stomach pain and diarrheawhich persist for over 4 weeks after the initial infection. While the severity of the infection appears to be a determining factor in the risk of long-term symptoms, more research is underway to understand why some people suffer from prolonged symptoms while others are not. The findings suggest there might be long-term consequences on health, following non-Covid acute respiratory infections, such as colds, flu or pneumonia, which currently they are not recognized. However, there is still no evidence to support the hypothesis that the symptoms have the same severity or duration as Long Covid. The study, funded by Barts Charity, compared the prevalence and severity of long-term symptoms after an episode of Covid-19 versus an episode of other acute respiratory infections. Those recovering from Covid-19 were more likely to experience it dizziness or dizziness and problems with taste and smell compared to those who had a non-Covid-related respiratory infection. But not always.
difficult to diagnose
—
“Our findings shed light not only on the impact of long Covid on people’s lives, but also on other respiratory infections” he explains Giulia Vivaldi, lead researcher of the study. “These ‘long’ infections are like that difficult to diagnose and treat mainly due to the lack of diagnostic tests; Plus, there are so many possible symptoms. On the other hand, for long Covid alone, there have been more than 200 studies.”
symptoms for 11 weeks
—
People who have experienced an acute respiratory infection other than Covid-19, such as a cold, may experience long-term persistent symptoms known as long cold which include cough, stomach pain and diarrhea and which persist for over 4 weeks after the initial infection. These symptoms can last for several weeks or months. However, the severity and duration of the symptoms of long cold have not yet been established, as has happened in the case of long Covid. According to researchers, people with long Covid report symptoms even after 44 weeks from the infection, while for the long cold the average is 11 weeks after infection. At present, there is no evidence to suggest similar severity and duration between the two.
more research is needed
—
It is still early to draw definitive conclusions, but the study is shining a light where it is needed. “The lack of awareness, or even the lack of a common term [per definire questa affezione, n.d.A.]prevents both reporting and the diagnosis of this disease“. Ongoing research into the long-term effects of long cold, comments Professor Adrian Martineau, clinical expert in respiratory infections and immunity, “is important because it can help us get to the root of why some people experience symptoms longer than others. Ultimately, this could help us identify the most appropriate form of treatment and care for those affected.”
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED