‘Do no harm’ is hurting 400 million long Covid patients worldwide

Imagine, for a moment, that you wake up one morning with a debilitating illness that won't let go. Weeks and months pass, but the crushing fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction persist. This is the reality for an estimated 400 million people worldwide suffering from long Covid.

The Crisis of Long Covid

Long Covid, also known as Post-COVID Conditions (PCC), is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection. It affects one or more organ systems and can last for months or even years. The symptoms are diverse and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction, among others.

The Human Impact

The human impact of long Covid is profound. Millions of people are unable to return to work or school, and their quality of life is significantly diminished. They experience debilitating symptoms that make everyday activities challenging. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, long Covid can result in more than 200 health effects across multiple systems, including heart disease, neurologic problems, and metabolic disorders.

The Global Burden

The global burden of long Covid is staggering. Estimates suggest that at least 65 million people worldwide have had long Covid. This condition is not limited to any age group; it affects people of all ages, including children. Most cases occur in patients with mild acute illness, indicating that even seemingly minor infections can lead to severe and long-lasting consequences.

Risk Factors

Certain groups are more likely to develop long Covid. These include women, Hispanic people, and individuals who experienced more severe outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization or intensive care admission. Additionally, people with underlying health conditions and those who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine are at higher risk.

Lack of Attention and Resources

Despite its widespread impact, long Covid has not received the attention it deserves. A lack of resources and a coordinated research effort has hindered our understanding of this condition. The slow progress in addressing long Covid has resulted in widespread harm to health, wellbeing, and livelihoods. An estimated one in ten people who develop long Covid stop working, leading to extensive economic losses.

The Need for Coordination

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of long Covid requires a coordinated approach. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society must work together to improve our understanding of the cause and pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, treatments, risk factors, and prevention of long Covid. A global research agenda is essential to address this complex condition effectively.

Challenges in Diagnosis

One of the significant challenges in managing long Covid is the lack of diagnostic tests and consensus definition. Many patients struggle to obtain a definitive diagnosis, and as a result, long Covid is often easily dismissed as a psychosomatic condition. However, studies have shown that long Covid is a real and debilitating condition with a distinct biological basis.

Treatment and Symptom Management

Currently, there is no specific treatment for long Covid. The goal of medical management is to optimize function and quality of life through established symptom management approaches. These may include focusing on the most bothersome symptoms, creating a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, optimizing management of underlying medical conditions, and documenting changes in health conditions and symptom severity through patient diaries and calendars.

Holistic Support

Holistic support for patients with long Covid is crucial. Healthcare providers play a significant role in validating symptoms, recognizing the impact of illness on quality of life, and connecting patients to additional care, services, and supports as appropriate. Tailored treatments and symptom management approaches, including FDA-approved or over-the-counter medications, can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.

Prevention

Preventing severe outcomes of COVID-19 reduces the risk of developing long Covid. This can be achieved through vaccination, adherence to good hygiene practices, and ensuring access to proper medical care. Vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing long Covid, with unvaccinated individuals being more than twice as likely to develop the condition.

Conclusion

The crisis of long Covid highlights the need for a concerted effort to address this complex and debilitating condition. While progress has been slow, it is essential that we recognize the human impact and global burden of long Covid. By working together, we can improve our understanding, develop effective treatments, and provide holistic support to those affected.

References:

• Yale Medicine: "What Happens When You Still Have Long Covid Symptoms?" Yale Medicine News
• CBS News: "Long Covid has affected millions. Here's what scientists now know." CBS News
• CDC: "Clinical Overview of Long Covid" CDC COVID-19 Clinical Overview
• The Lancet: "Long Covid: 3 years in" The Lancet

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By understanding and addressing the complexities of long Covid, we can improve the lives of millions of people worldwide who are suffering from this debilitating condition. The time to act is now.