What the CDC's new study tells us about long COVID

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that over 1 in 5 COVID-19 survivors under the age of 65 could develop long COVID. The study found that among patients 65 and older, 1 in 4 could develop the symptoms associated with the condition. Everything you need to know is here.

What is long COVID?

The long-term health effects of a coronaviruses infection include respiratory and heart problems, headaches, brain fog, and other symptoms. The agency refers to them as post-COVID conditions, and they are most often found in people who have had a serious bout of COVID.

Symptoms are usually first identified four weeks after the initial infection, and can last weeks or even months before being gone or coming back again. It can be difficult for those suffering and their health care providers to make a diagnosis if long COVID affects everyone in the same way. A large U.S. study suggests that the vaccine won't make a difference on this front. The vaccine seems to reduce the risk of lung and blood clot disorders, but it doesn't protect against the other symptoms.

It is important to note that there is still much unknown about long COVID, so findings and understandings may change.

Is long COVID a big deal?

Absolutely.

Bruce Levy of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston told the Post in February that this is real, definable, and causes significant patient suffering. That's odd.

Why does it happen?

Scientists have some ideas. According to The New York Times, some experts believe that an intense immune response may lead to inflammation and damage throughout the body. The immune system doesn't really shut down after the initial infections.

How is it diagnosed?

The Times reports that doctors must rely on patient descriptions and process of elimination to diagnose long COVID. To clarify the process, researchers are working to identify certain biomarkers that correspond to certain post-COVID conditions.

What did the CDC's report say?

A large study published online on May 24 found that one in five previously-infected adults under the age of 65 has experienced at least one symptom that could be considered long COVID. The breakdown increases to one in four for those older than 65. In an indication of how seriously the agency views the problem of long COVID, the authors of the study recommended routine assess for post-COVID conditions among persons who survive COVID.

The study found that the risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lung problems doubled for both age groups. Those above 65 were more likely to have a number of mental health conditions than their younger counterparts. Respiratory issues and pain were the most common post-COVID infections.

The study did not report demographic information such as race, ethnicity, sex, or location. The Times notes that it didn't identify which virus variant was connected to each case.

Researchers concluded that long COVID might affect a patient's ability to contribute to the work force and might have economic consequences for survivors and their dependents.

Is there a treatment for long COVID? Can you cure it?

At the moment, there is no cure for long COVID. There are certain steps that COVID patients can take to treat their symptoms. If you are concerned that what you are feeling is COVID related, you should speak to your primary care doctor. There are a number of post-COVID clinics that offer multi-disciplinary and individualized care, both the Times and the Post report. It can be difficult to access a clinic if you have insurance.

The Post writes that experts have said that rehabilitation through gradual increases in activity is key to recovery. Experts advise that healing is not linear and will take time.

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