In a shocking revelation, researchers are warning that the lasting effects of COVID-19, commonly known as ‘long COVID’, can drastically impact quality of life, making it worse than conditions like advanced metastatic cancers, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
Long COVID – A Silent Debilitator
Research led by University College London and the University of Exeter reports that many individuals experiencing ‘long COVID’ exhibit a lower health-related quality of life. The debilitating impact of long COVID on daily activities supersedes even that experienced by stroke patients, and stands parallel to the hardships faced by those with Parkinson’s disease. Previous studies suggest that nearly 17% of COVID-19 patients develop these long-term effects.
The Ongoing Struggle with Fatigue
The most pervasive symptom reported by patients with long COVID, according to the study, is extreme fatigue. This debilitating tiredness has a profound effect on the day-to-day lives of long COVID sufferers. The intensity of the fatigue experienced by these patients was found to be on par with or worse than fatigue associated with serious conditions like cancer-related anaemia or severe kidney disease.
Long COVID – The Unseen Condition
As quoted by Professor William Henley of Exeter University Medical School, one of the study co-authors, “Long COVID is an invisible condition.” Many people struggle to manage the significant changes in their ability to function due to the virus’s long-term effects. He further emphasised the dire need for research that can facilitate the development of evidence-based services to support people dealing with this debilitating new condition.
The Vital Research Findings
The research, published in the journal BMJ Open, studied more than 3,750 patients experiencing long COVID symptoms for at least 12 weeks post-infection. The patients completed questionnaires regarding their condition, including effects on daily activities, fatigue levels, depression, anxiety, breathlessness, brain fog, and quality of life. Disturbingly, over half of the patients reported being unable to work for at least one day in the previous month, and 20% were entirely unable to work.
As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to address and understand the lingering and often debilitating effects of ‘long COVID’. As this latest study illustrates, the invisible fallout from the virus can significantly impact patients’ lives, often more so than conditions previously considered to be among the most severe. It underscores the urgent need for further research, better understanding, and comprehensive support services for those grappling with this new and often underestimated condition.
Also read: Tiku Weds Sheru review: Avneet Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Rides a Rollercoaster of Reactions
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.
