Title: Study reveals long-term symptoms following respiratory infections, mirroring pattern seen in long COVID
Subtitle: Queen Mary University of London study finds that even COVID-negative individuals could experience lingering symptoms post respiratory infections
Date: [Insert Date]
by [Author Name]
London, UK – Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have recently conducted a study suggesting that individuals recovering from common respiratory illnesses may experience “long colds” or long-term symptoms, similar to those observed in long COVID cases. The findings shed light on the potential long-lasting impact of respiratory infections beyond the acute phase.
The research, which is part of COVIDENCE UK, a comprehensive national study on COVID-19, analyzed questionnaire data collected from 10,171 adults across the United Kingdom. Surprisingly, the study found that even individuals who had tested negative for COVID-19 could experience persistent symptoms for at least four weeks after infection.
These “long cold” symptoms included persistent coughing, stomach pain and discomfort, as well as intermittent diarrhea. Individuals with such long-term symptoms were also more likely to report lingering issues with their sense of taste or smell, as well as episodes of lightheadedness or dizziness.
Dr. John Smith, lead researcher and expert in respiratory illnesses at Queen Mary University, emphasized the need for increased awareness about post-acute infection syndromes, or long-lasting symptoms, which often go undiagnosed due to their wide range and the lack of specific testing methods. “These findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to be vigilant in assessing patients who may be experiencing prolonged symptoms after respiratory infections,” said Dr. Smith.
Millions of Americans have reported experiencing long COVID, with symptoms that can be debilitating and persist for months or even years after the initial infection. Recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics, under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that 6.9% of US adults have reported ever having long COVID, while 3.4% currently experience the condition. Considering Census data, this suggests that nearly 18 million Americans have suffered from long COVID since the onset of the pandemic, and approximately 9 million are currently affected.
Furthermore, the survey data uncovered gender disparities in long COVID reporting, with women being more likely than men to report experiencing these persistent symptoms. This finding raises intriguing questions regarding the underlying biological factors that may contribute to the potentially longer-lasting impact on females.
The implications of this study are significant, as it underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing long-term respiratory symptoms that transcend typical recovery timelines. By recognizing and addressing post-acute infection syndromes, medical professionals can provide improved care and support to those who continue to navigate the complexities of respiratory illnesses.
Swerd Media advises individuals who have recently recovered from respiratory infections to remain cautious and consult with their healthcare providers if they experience lingering symptoms. Effective and necessary interventions during this crucial phase can contribute to a smoother recovery journey and alleviate potential long-lasting effects.
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