Common complaints associated with a long cold were coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhea. However, researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that some individuals experience long-term symptoms, often referred to as long colds, after respiratory infections that test negative for Covid-19. According to a study published in The Lancet’s EClinicalMedicine journal, these symptoms can include coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhea that last for more than four weeks after the initial infection. The researchers suggest that certain individuals may suffer long-term effects from colds, flu, or pneumonia, although it is not yet clear if these symptoms persist as long as long Covid.
In order to conduct the study, experts analyzed data from the Covidence UK study on coronavirus in the population, which involved 10,203 participants. Of these participants, 1,343 had experienced a Covid infection, while 472 had a respiratory infection that tested negative for Covid. The results showed that 22% of individuals with Covid-19 and 22% of those with non-Covid respiratory infections experienced prolonged symptoms after their infections. Professor Adrian Martineau, from Queen Mary University of London, commented that there was a similar risk of prolonged symptoms regardless of whether the infection was caused by Covid or not.
Interestingly, the study also revealed some differences in symptoms between the two groups. People with Covid were more likely to experience taste and smell problems, as well as light-headedness or dizziness, compared to those without Covid. They also reported heart palpitations, sweating, and hair loss. On the other hand, individuals in the non-Covid group were more likely to have a cough or hoarse voice, which was unexpected since coughing is often associated with Covid. Both groups experienced breathlessness and fatigue.
The severity of the initial illness seemed to correlate with the likelihood of long-term symptoms. However, the researchers emphasized the need for further studies to understand why some individuals are more susceptible than others. Lead author Giulia Vivaldi highlighted the importance of investigating the lasting effects of acute respiratory infections and the challenges they bring in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
The study assessed people’s symptoms after their initial infection using standardized questionnaires. The longest duration between the initial infection and ongoing symptoms reported was 37 weeks for non-Covid infections and 64 weeks for Covid-19. The non-Covid group all tested negative for Covid, while those in the Covid group either tested positive or displayed classic coronavirus symptoms but were infected during a time when testing was not widely available. Additional analyses were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results, and the findings remained consistent.
Dr. David Strain, clinical senior lecturer and honorary consultant at the University of Exeter, welcomed the study, noting that it demonstrates the persistence of symptoms after various infections, not just Covid-19. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing these long-term effects in order to provide appropriate care and support for affected individuals.
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