New research by King’s college London revealed that approximately 1 in 25 who catch coronavirus go on to develop long covid, which can be debilitating to some people.
Since the beginning of July 2022, Government statistics have reported that 139,000 people have tested positive for the virus, which is a massive increase from earlier in the year, and there is now a correlation to the number of patients now being admitted to hospital which is now 9,600. However, those being admitted to hospital and having long covid do not correlate.
Doctor Claire Steves, from King's College London, who spoke on behalf of the researchers, said that whilst Omicorn is more likely to cause long covid than Delta, still 1 in 25 people are likely to suffer from long covid.
Data gathered from the ZOE Health Study, a study from the King's College researchers, found that the odds of experiencing long Covid were between 20-50 percent less during the Omicron period than the Delta period.
With COVID rates increasing, the UK can expect to see a rise in long COVID as well. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, tight chests and chest pains and insomnia. Rather uncommon symptoms have been recorded as fatigue, heart palpitations as well as brain fog which is characterised by difficulty with concentration and remembering.
A few much rare symptoms of long covid are rashes over the body, a high temperature, changes to taste and smell, tinnitus, pins and needles and a loss appetite.
It is recommended by the NHS if you experience any of these symptoms for longer than four weeks after you caught Covid you should contact a doctor and get an appointment.
Your doctor could check your blood pressure, heart rate, and request blood tests to check for any other underlying health conditions such as diabetes and Asthma. Long covid has impacted people with it so severely the NHS has referred them to specialists and in some rare cases, rehabilitation services.
To avoid a covid infection in the first place, it is recommended you practice good hygiene. This can easily be done by washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your hands and face.
Another key bit of advice provided by the NHS is to use covid tests if you show any symptoms of covid, if you are living with someone who has covid or if you have covid self isolate immediately and minimise contact with anyone.
The NHS provides a Covid Recovery service that offers guidance and support on how to deal with long Covid symptoms as well as an easy point of contact with NHS staff. There is also general guidance on how to lead a healthier lifestyle which may help to mitigate symptoms such as eating healthily and regular exercise.
Edited by Sara Moreira
Image Credit: Imperial College London
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