If you have recovered from COVID-19 but are still experiencing certain symptoms you could have post COVID-19 condition or “long COVID”. What are these symptoms? How long do they last and are there any treatment options? Dr Janet Diaz explains in Science in 5.
Science in 5 is WHO’s conversation in science. In this video and podcast series WHO experts explain the science related to COVID-19. The series is available every week on WHO’s YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn channels and on all major podcasts platforms.
Long Covid – The Symptons
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), chronic COVID syndrome (CCS) and long-haul COVID, is a condition characterized by long-term sequelae—appearing or persisting after the typical convalescence period—of coronavirus disease 2019. Long COVID can affect nearly every organ system with sequelae including respiratory system disorders, nervous system and neurocognitive disorders, mental health disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, malaise, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and anemia
The exact nature of symptoms and number of people who experience long-term symptoms is unknown and varies according to the population being studied, the definition used, and the time period used in the study. A survey by the UK Office for National Statistics estimated that approximately 13.7% of people who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 experienced one or more symptoms for longer than 12 weeks.
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