Effects of ‘long colds’ Could be as Common as ‘long Covid’: Says Study
According to the World Health Organization definition, “Long Covid” is characterized by the continuation or appearance of new symptoms three months after the initial infection, and these symptoms persist for at least 2 months without further explanation.
A study carried out in the United Kingdom has shed light on the possibility that the symptoms associated with a common cold can last beyond the main period of the illness, raising the hypothesis of the existence of what could be called “prolonged colds”, in a phenomenon similar to that known as “Long Covid”.
The results of this research, published in the scientific journal The Lancet last Friday, indicate that non-Covid-related infections may be linked to various health conditions that persist for more than four weeks after the initial infection.
The study, which involved 10,171 individuals, was carried out by scientists at Queen Mary University of London. They concluded that respiratory infections, such as the common cold, could have long-term health effects that have not been adequately recognized to date.
However, the researchers could not determine whether the symptoms associated with these “long colds” could last as long as those of “long Covid.”
Postinfectious syndromes, although not a new phenomenon, are often undiagnosed due to the diversity of symptoms and the lack of diagnostic tests. This information is detailed in the study introduction available on The Lancet website.
Similarities in symptoms were seen between people affected by “long Covid” and “long colds”. However, typical post-Covid problems, such as loss of taste and smell, as well as dizziness, were less common in people with long-term colds.
The term “Long Covid” emerged in the spring of 2020 to describe the situation where people who had contracted Covid-19 did not fully recover for weeks or even months after the initial infection.
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According to the World Health Organization definition, “Long Covid” is characterized by the continuity or appearance of new symptoms three months after the initial infection, and these symptoms persist for at least two months without another explanation.
Symptoms of long Covid
It is important to note that people affected by persistent conditions after a COVID-19 infection may experience a wide range of symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years. These symptoms can vary widely between individuals, and although in most patients symptoms improve over time, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you are experiencing a persistent condition related to COVID-19.
People with persistent COVID-19 conditions typically report the following according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Fatigue or tiredness that affects daily life
- Symptoms that worsen after mental or physical exertion (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
- Fever
- Respiratory and cardiac symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Heart that beats fast or very hard (known as palpitations)
In addition, neurological symptoms may occur:
- Concentration and thinking difficulties (sometimes referred to as brain fog)
- Headache
- Sleeping problems
- Dizziness (fainting) when standing up
- Tingling sensation
- Changes in taste or smell
- Depression or anxiety
