At least 17 million people in Europe suffered long Covid in first 2 years of pandemic, WHO report says

New research suggests at least 17 million people across Europe and central Asia suffered from long Covid within the first two years of the pandemic.

A new study by the World Health Organization shows that 17 million people in Europe were affected by the coronaviruses.

The report found that 10% to 20% of all Covid-19 cases reported in 2020 and 2021 across the region resulted in lasting effects that lasted at least three months.

Men were more likely to experience long Covid than women. One in three women were found to have long-term symptoms after being hospitalized.

The research was done by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Long Covid refers to a range of effects that can occur after a Covid infections. There can be fatigue, breathlessness and cognitive impairment.

It is possible that some people's mental health can be impacted.

The WHO's regional director for Europe said the findings show the need for more analysis and investment in monitoring the effects of Covid.

Millions of people in Europe and central Asia are suffering from symptoms after their initial Covid-19 infections.

He said that they couldn't continue to suffer in silence. The government and health partners need to work together to find solutions.

The study found that the cases of long Covid rose more than 300% in the year 2021.

141 million people are estimated to have developed long Covid in the next two years.

The director of IHME said the findings should raise awareness about long Covid's effects on mental health and workplace wellbeing.

It's important for health systems and government agencies to know how many people are affected.