About 10% of people appear to suffer Long COVID after an omicron infection, a lower estimate than earlier in the pandemic, according to a study of nearly 10,000 Americans that aims to help unravel the mysterious condition.
Early findings from the National Institutes of Health’s study highlight a dozen symptoms that most distinguish Long COVID, the catchall term for the sometimes debilitating health problems that can last for months or years after even a mild case of COVID-19.
Millions worldwide have had Long COVID, with dozens of widely varying symptoms including fatigue and brain fog. Scientists still don’t know what causes it, why it only strikes some people, how to treat it—or even how to best diagnose it. Better defining the condition is key for research to get those answers.
“Sometimes I hear people say, ’Oh, everybody’s a little tired,’” said Dr. Leora Horwitz of NYU Langone Health, one of the study authors. “No, there’s something different about people who have Long COVID and that’s important to know.” The new research, published Thursday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, includes more than 8,600 adults who had COVID-19 at different points in the pandemic, comparing them to another 1,100 who hadn’t been infected. By some estimates, roughly 1 in 3 of COVID-19 patients have experienced Long COVID. That’s similar to NIH study participants who reported getting sick before the Omicron variant began spreading in the U.S. in December 2021. That’s also when the study opened, and researchers noted that people who already had Long COVID symptoms might have been more likely to enroll.
Hey there! I just finished reading the article you shared on the prevalence of long COVID after the Omicron variant, and I wanted to drop you a comment to share my thoughts. Firstly, I must say that this is an important and timely topic that sheds light on the potential long-term impacts of the Omicron variant.
The statistic you highlighted, stating that 1 in 10 people may experience long COVID after contracting the Omicron variant, is quite alarming. It emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures, even as new variants emerge. The long-term health implications and challenges faced by individuals with long COVID are significant, and it’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue.
Your article provides valuable information by highlighting the experiences of those who have been affected by long COVID. It’s important to acknowledge the physical, mental, and emotional toll that long COVID can have on individuals, and your article brings attention to this aspect.
Moreover, your emphasis on the importance of vaccination and adhering to public health guidelines is commendable. It serves as a reminder that vaccination and preventive measures remain essential in minimizing the spread and impact of COVID-19 and its variants.
Overall, your article contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding COVID-19 and its long-term effects. By providing statistics and personal accounts, you bring attention to the challenges faced by individuals with long COVID. Thank you for sharing this information and helping raise awareness about the potential consequences of the Omicron variant. Stay safe and take care!
thanks for share it
Very reassuring, well articulated. Thank you