In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, the term “Long COVID” has become quite familiar. It refers to the set of symptoms that persist long after a person recovers from the acute phase of the disease. However, what many people may not know is that Long COVID-like symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, can also occur after a bout of the flu. In fact, a recent study found that around 30% of people who had influenza reported experiencing symptoms for 14 days or more. With flu season just around the corner, it’s essential to know how to prevent both the flu and Long COVID-like symptoms, and in this article, we will show you how.
In a new study, researchers have confirmed that post-viral illnesses from COVID-19 aren’t more problematic than post-viral illnesses from the flu, at least with regards to the Omicron era. The post-viral illness that typically occurs after an infection from COVID-19 is known as Long COVID or PASC. It occurs when new symptoms that persist for more than four weeks are developed after infection. These symptoms can often last for several months to even a year. Similar post-viral illnesses can also occur with diseases such as herpes, Lyme disease, and SARS. Symptoms of post-viral illnesses include fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise, which means symptoms worsen after any physical or mental activities. The new findings were presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The research took place among a highly vaccinated population in Queensland, Australia, and followed nearly 2,200 adults who had been diagnosed with lab-confirmed COVID-19 and almost 1,000 adults who had been diagnosed with lab-confirmed flu for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, 21% had ongoing symptoms of Omicron, while 4% had symptoms where daily activities were moderately to severely affected. For those who had experienced the flu, the numbers were almost identical, where 23% reported ongoing symptoms, and 4% reported moderate to severely affected daily activities.
The researchers concluded that the public health impact of Long COVID did not result from any unique properties of SARS-CoV-2, but rather it is due to the sheer number of people infected over a short period of time. Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland’s chief health officer, suggested that the healthcare system is struggling because of the volume of COVID-19 infections. The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 infections is over 11 million in Australia in the last three years, which is far higher than the recorded number of lab-confirmed flu cases.
The study also noted some groups were less likely to report functional limitations on their daily lives after Omicron or flu, such as older individuals or members of indigenous populations. About 5% to 10% of Australians who have had COVID-19 report symptoms lasting longer than three months, with females, middle-aged people, and those who had severe COVID-19 at higher risk. People with hypertension, chronic lung disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression are also at greater risk of developing long COVID.
The best way to prevent the development of Long COVID or post-viral illnesses from the flu is to prevent COVID-19 or flu infection. Masking, social distancing, frequent and quality hand-washing, and staying away from those with known illnesses are all recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 vaccination could also reduce the risk of developing Long COVID, and a flu vaccine could reduce the risk of developing post-viral complications from the flu. Overall, researchers suggest that preventing illnesses themselves could be the best way to prevent these serious health complications.
In conclusion, Long COVID-like symptoms are not exclusive to COVID-19. They can also occur after the flu is gone. However, there are steps you can take to prevent both. Get vaccinated against the flu annually, practice good hygiene, and take care of your health by eating well and staying active. It’s important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms. By following these simple precautions, you can reduce your risk of Long COVID and the flu and stay healthy all year round.
