A recent review examines how SARS-CoV-2 variants impact long COVID symptoms, revealing key differences in clinical manifestations and vaccination effectiveness. The study suggests that vaccinations significantly reduce both acute and long-term symptoms, making a critical contribution to managing the condition.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that long COVID-19 is making it harder for people to pay their bills, buy groceries, and keep utilities on. Individuals with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and inability to pay bills due to the condition.
A recent study published in Nature Communications Medicine found that around 25-30% of young people met the research definition of long Covid 24 months after their initial PCR test. However, 70% of those who had long Covid three months after the infection had recovered within two years.
A team of researchers discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm in fatal COVID-19 cases, linking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to the hyperinflammatory response. This finding holds potential for identifying patients at risk and developing targeted interventions.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 disrupts mitochondrial reactions, leading to immune sensor activation and a cytokine storm, which triggers multiple organ-damaging events. Autopsy samples revealed extensive inflammation and organ damage in organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified a mechanism explaining Long COVID's neurological symptoms: SARS-CoV-2 spike protein remains in the brain for up to four years after infection. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce spike protein accumulation, but persistent presence poses a toxic risk.
A review of trials suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and physical and mental rehabilitation can reduce fatigue and improve concentration. Intermittent aerobic exercise also improves physical function.
Researchers found lower pulmonary gas exchange may be associated with impaired cognitive function in patients with long COVID. The study also showed a potential treatment strategy using methods that target improved gas exchange, suggesting a causative relationship between cognitive dysfunction and lung dysfunction.
A wearable electrical nerve stimulation device has been shown to provide significant relief from long COVID symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Researchers found that the high-dose TENS group experienced notable improvements in pain relief and walking ability.
A new study found that individuals with Long Covid experience persistent functional impairment and poor quality of life, leading to significant economic burdens on patients and the economy. The study estimated that the economic cost of Long Covid could reach £20billion annually due to productivity losses and working days off.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed an AI algorithm to identify long COVID cases in patients' health records, revealing a higher prevalence rate than previously thought. The tool uses 'precision phenotyping' to sift through individual records and track symptoms over time, reducing bias in diagnosis.
Researchers found elevated levels of cytokines in the blood of long COVID patients, which could explain cardiovascular symptoms. The study also showed that these trace-level cytokines had a direct effect on cardiomyocytes, the heart's pumping cells.
A study found that 4.6% of Nigerian participants with COVID-19 experienced neurologic symptoms, with some still experiencing symptoms two years after their initial episode. Researchers plan to treat these patients using similar techniques used in the US, aiming to alleviate their suffering.
A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine found that a combination of amubarvimab and romlusevimab did not reduce the occurrence of long COVID symptoms. The researchers assessed symptom diaries and health-related quality of life questionnaires, but saw no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that people with wide-ranging long COVID symptoms were twice as likely to have SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood compared to those without long COVID symptoms. This persistent infection could explain some of the long COVID sufferers' symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment target.
Damage to the brainstem, the brain's control centre, is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection. Researchers used ultra-high-resolution scanners to observe the damaging effects of Covid-19 on the brain, finding inflammation in key regions associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety.
A small clinical trial found that low-dose lithium aspartate is ineffective for long COVID symptoms, but a dose-finding study suggests higher doses may be effective in reducing fatigue and brain fog. Researchers are calling for further studies to explore the potential of lithium aspartate at higher dosages.
Researchers found that wearable fitness technology can provide greater control and certainty for Long COVID sufferers, but also anxiety and uneasiness. Participants used data from their watches to regulate energy expenditure and understand symptoms, leading to a degree of control over the disease and body.
Long COVID patients face numerous barriers and frustrations in receiving care, yet express a desire for collaborative treatment planning. The study highlights the need for improved communication and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.
A new long-term study found that memory T cells can be established and maintain key features to fight off subsequent infections of newer strains, providing potential insight into rapid recovery from COVID. The study's findings are important for understanding how the body responds to COVID-19.
Researchers have proposed a novel treatment strategy for post-acute infectious syndromes (PAIS), including Long COVID. The multimodal approach combines pharmacological interventions like metformin and low-dose naltrexone with physical therapies like extracorporeal apheresis.
Researchers discovered faulty immune processes responsible for lingering lung issues after COVID-19, which can be disrupted by existing drugs. The study also identified molecules responsible for the issue and potential therapeutic options for patients with ongoing lung damage.
A study published in Nature found that immune cells called CD8+ T cells prevent lung healing and repair post-infection, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic treatment options for patients with long COVID.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that individuals with pre-existing disabilities are more than twice as likely to develop long COVID. The research found that chronic illnesses and mental illness/psychiatric disabilities were the most common types of disabilities among those experiencing long COVID.
A new study published in JRSM Open found that pain is the most prevalent and severe symptom reported by individuals with long Covid, affecting 26.5% of participants. Demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status significantly impact symptom severity.
Researchers discovered that the blood coagulation protein fibrin causes unusual clotting and inflammation in COVID-19, suppressing the body's ability to clear the virus. A promising therapeutic strategy has been identified, targeting fibrin to combat these deleterious effects.