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Long COVID study highlights need for diagnosis and management investment

A new study from researchers in the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC), hosted at NDM’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, reveals the key Long COVID characteristics affecting populations worldwide, including fatigue, shortness of breath and having trouble thinking clearly.

Indian lady wearing a face mask looking through a gate

A study by an international COVID-19 research group, led by international researchers in ISARIC, is one of the largest international studies to provide evidence for the longer-term impact of COVID-19 illness in populations worldwide. 

This observational study, published in BMJ Global Health, uses data collected from sites in High-, Middle- and Low-Income Countries, whereas most previous studies on Long COVID have focused on patients in high-income countries and have thus provided a limited understanding of the wider individual and socioeconomic impact of Long COVID. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined Long COVID as the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for two months or longer with no other explanation. 

The study aimed to characterise Long COVID, explore risk factors for developing the condition, and better understand the impact on daily activities and quality of life in different regions.

The results highlight the potential long-term impact of Long COVID on population health globally, which may disproportionately impact economically disadvantaged populations.

 

Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Medicine website.

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