Researchers identify two prominent symptoms of long COVID

As the world struggles to come to terms with the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, concerns remain about the after-effects of the infection on those who have already recovered.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is found to have left long-lasting effects on people in the form of long COVID with many complaining of recurrent and persisting problems like fatigue, body pains, hair fall, trouble breathing, anxiety, persistent cough and insomnia.

Now, researchers at the University of Cambridge have pointed out two prominent symptoms found among 70% of the cases of long COVID: memory issues and lack of concentration.

The research found that about one in 10 COVID patients has complained of neurological issues of different types after recovery. The symptoms can be either permanent or last up to one year.

The Lancet says disease mechanisms causing long COVID are unknown, and there are no evidence-based treatment options. Clinical guidelines focus on symptom management, and various treatment options are being evaluated.

Also read: All COVID restrictions to expire on March 31; masks to remain mandatory

The scarcity of advice has often left people with long COVID feeling isolated and frustrated in their search for therapies. Insufficient knowledge of long COVID often results in poor recognition of the problem. Patients have expressed loss of faith and disappointment in health-care service delivery, pushing them towards alternative sources of support and treatment, often self-medication.

There have been instances where people opted for over-the-counter medicines, putting themselves at risks associated with self-medication.