Study Finds Long-Covid-Like Symptoms Common After Respiratory Infections

New Delhi: A recent study has revealed that long-term illness, similar to Long Covid, can also occur following other severe respiratory infections. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Oxford, suggests that persistent post-infection symptoms are not exclusive to Covid-19, urging broader attention to the lingering impacts of various respiratory illnesses.

The study involved analyzing data from 190,000 participants, categorized into three groups: those hospitalized with Covid-19, those hospitalized with other lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), and a reference group with no history of LRTI-related hospitalizations. Participants were surveyed about 45 distinct physical and psychological symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body, including ear, nose, and throat; respiratory; neurological; gastrointestinal; and musculoskeletal systems.

Results, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed that patients hospitalized with Covid-19 faced a higher risk of experiencing 23 out of the 45 symptoms, while those hospitalized with non-Covid LRTIs reported 18 out of the 45 symptoms. This underlines that a wide range of post-acute symptoms, traditionally associated with Long Covid, can also emerge following other respiratory infections.

Dr. Junqing Xie from the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) at Oxford highlighted that the “post-acute effects of Covid-19 are not unique,” adding that other severe respiratory infections can similarly lead to prolonged health issues. The findings emphasize the need to expand healthcare focus beyond Covid-19 to include the long-term consequences of other respiratory infections.

Fatigue, breathlessness, and brain fog were commonly reported symptoms among Covid patients, consistent with earlier studies. Persistent loss of taste was also noted among this group. However, the study found that neurological and cognitive symptoms, such as difficulties in thinking and communication, were more pronounced in Covid-19 patients compared to those with other respiratory infections and the reference group.

Dr. Xie underscored the importance of recognizing the similarities and differences in post-acute conditions caused by various respiratory viruses. This understanding, he stated, can aid in developing preventive measures and personalized care strategies for patients recovering from severe infections, beyond the scope of Covid-19.

The study’s findings arrive at a time when healthcare systems worldwide continue to grapple with the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers advocate for improved awareness and tailored healthcare approaches for patients dealing with long-term symptoms, whether stemming from Covid-19 or other respiratory illnesses, to ensure comprehensive care and recovery.