New research published on Friday reveals that various acute respiratory infections, including pneumonia, influenza, and the common cold, can result in long-term symptoms similar to those experienced with COVID-19.
According to UK-based researchers, these “long cold” symptoms can persist for up to four weeks in some cases, resembling the phenomenon of “long COVID.”
The study tracked over 10,000 individuals with both COVID and non-COVID illnesses, revealing that all groups can experience prolonged symptoms.
The authors of the study wrote, “Our findings suggest that there may be long-lasting health impacts from other respiratory infections that are currently not being recognized.”
Individuals with long COVID were more likely to experience reduced taste or smell and weakness, while individuals with long cold symptoms primarily experienced coughing and stomach pain. The researchers noted that long-term symptoms were more common among those with more severe illnesses.
Although it remains unclear why only some individuals experience long-term symptoms, this research paves the way for future studies on the long-term effects of common illnesses.
The study states, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on post-acute infection syndromes, emphasizing the need for improved understanding, diagnosis, and treatment for these conditions. While our observations of significant symptom burden among participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection highlight the extensive impact of long COVID, the similar burden observed among individuals with previous non-COVID-19 diseases suggests that the long-lasting effects of these infections may be underestimated.”
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed last month that nearly 18 million Americans are experiencing long COVID, with symptoms that can persist for up to two years. Approximately 10 percent of individuals who have had COVID continue to experience long-term symptoms.
Common long COVID symptoms include taste and smell disorders, as well as chronic fatigue and cognitive difficulties commonly referred to as “brain fog.”
While the long-term symptoms associated with non-COVID illnesses are generally less severe and of shorter duration, the researchers believe that this new research will enable a more effective study of these syndromes.
The study concludes, “As research on long COVID progresses, we must take the opportunity to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other diseases, ensuring that all individuals experiencing long-term symptoms can access the treatment and care they deserve.”
© 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
