Behind the story
With 3 per cent of all adults in England reporting lingering and often debilitating symptoms, the problem of long Covid can no longer be ignored. Symptoms vary in severity, but some of those worst affected have had to give up their jobs and social lives. Although some experts were initially sceptical of long Covid, there is mounting evidence that the virus can cause long-term physiological changes. Some people with long Covid only had a mild initial infection, but find themselves bedbound months later. Others could be severely ill in hospital and then experience a different set of lingering symptoms. The World Health Organisation classes long Covid as “symptoms that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis”.
Because of the wide range of symptoms, experts believe there are different underlying mechanisms causing long Covid, which vary from patient to patient. Research shows that Covid can cause the formation of tiny blood clots, known as microclotting, which means that cells in the body do not get enough oxygen. This leads to debilitating symptoms and fatigue. It is also thought long Covid may be linked to an overreaction in the immune system, which causes the body to attack its own organs, leading to permanent damage. The only way to avoid long Covid is not to get infected in the first place, but vaccination also reduces the risk of long-term symptoms. Trials are under way of potential treatments, including anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-clotting medication. Patients with long Covid are advised to contact their GP as a first port of call, who may then refer them to specialists clinics set up by the NHS.
