New research finds that after an acute respiratory infection, people may develop long-lasting symptoms or a "long cold" if they test negative for COVID-19. The study was completed by Queen Mary, University of London and published today (October 6) in the Lancet journal EClinical Medicine.
Some of the most common symptoms of "long colds" include cough, stomach pain and diarrhea, which occur more than four weeks after the initial infection. While disease severity appears to be a key factor in the risk of long-term symptoms, more research is currently underway to determine why some people develop long-term symptoms and others do not.
The findings suggest that non-CNS illnesses such as colds, influenza or pneumonia may have long-term health consequences following acute respiratory infections that are not yet recognized. However, researchers don't yet have evidence that the symptoms are the same severity or duration as Long-COVID.
The study, funded by the charity Barts, compared the incidence and severity of long-term symptoms after an episode of COVID-19 with those who tested negative for another acute respiratory infection. Compared with people with respiratory infections who have not contracted COVID-19, COVID-19 patients are more likely to experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and taste and smell impairment after recovery.
Although Long-COVID is now a recognized condition, few studies have compared long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection with other respiratory infections.
This study is the latest result of COVIDENCEUK, a national COVID-19 study launched by Queen Mary University of London in 2020 and is still being tracked, with more than 19,000 people participating in the study. The study analyzed data from 10,171 UK adults, collecting responses via questionnaires and conducting statistical analysis to identify symptom clusters.
Giulia Vivaldi, COVIDENCEUK researcher at Queen Mary University of London and lead author of the study, said: "Our findings shed light not only on the impact of long-lasting Covid on people's lives, but also on the impact of other respiratory infections. Due to a lack of awareness, and even a common terminology, these diseases are reported and diagnosed "While we continue to study Long-COVID, we need to take the opportunity to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections. These 'long-lasting infections' are difficult to diagnose and treat, primarily because of the lack of diagnostic tests and the number of possible symptoms that have been investigated for Long-COVID alone."
COVIDENCEUK lead researcher Professor Adrian Martineau, Clinical Professor of Respiratory Infection and Immunity at Queen Mary University of London, said: "Our findings may be consistent with the experience of some people who have long-lasting symptoms after a respiratory infection, despite nasal or throat swabs child tested negative for COVID-19. Continued research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections is important because it helps us fundamentally understand why some people experience symptoms for longer than others. Ultimately, this can help us determine the most appropriate treatment and care for patients."
Victoria King, Director of Fundraising and Impact at Barts Charities, said: "Barts Charities quickly supported COVIDENCEUK in its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to understand its risk factors and impacts. These findings not only highlight how people are affected by Covid after contracting Covid The long-term symptoms that occur also highlight the long-term symptoms that people experience after contracting other acute respiratory infections. As we learn more about the long-term symptoms of Long-COVID and possible treatments, studies like this can help increase awareness of other long-term respiratory infections that may go undetected."