As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage populations across the globe, medical professionals and researchers are learning more about the long-term effects associated with the virus. Often referred to as ‘long COVID’, the ongoing symptoms experienced by individuals who have contracted COVID-19 have been the subject of much speculation and investigation. A recent abstract comparing long COVID symptoms with those of influenza is causing quite a stir in the medical community, with experts weighing in on what the findings could mean and how they should be interpreted. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the abstract, the reactions it has garnered so far, and what it could mean for the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
On April 16th, 2023, the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) annual meeting presented an observational study on long COVID symptoms compared to outcomes following influenza. The conference abstract, presented by Professor Lawrence Young FMedSci, a Virologist and Professor of Molecular Oncology, reported on the self-reported ongoing symptoms in adults previously infected with either the omicron covid variant after vaccination, or with influenza. The study shows a similar level of post-viral effects from infection with both viruses, but also highlights how the health impact from long COVID may be more significant due to the large number of those infected with SARS-CoV-2. Many of the features of long COVID are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a post-viral condition that can follow infection with viruses such as influenza. However, the distinct effects that SARS-CoV-2 has on different organ systems, including promoting excessive blood clotting and persisting in our bodies, will result in significant lifelong disabilities for some individuals.
The study only provided a short-term snapshot at 12 weeks after PCR-confirmed positive test for infection with no longer-term follow-up. It also does not provide a definitive objective evaluation of symptoms by use of diagnostic testing. Despite the fact that the vaccination reduces the risk of developing long COVID and that patients infected with omicron variants are 24%-50% less likely to develop long COVID compared to those infected during the delta wave, the number of people infected with omicron variants means that the burden of long COVID will continue to grow, and urgent development of robust diagnostics and exploration of therapeutic options is necessary.
According to the abstract LB092, ‘Is long COVID really the next public health crisis? Post-COVID outcomes compared with influenza in Australia,’ there is not yet a full paper available.
Professor Lawrence Young did not declare any conflicts of interest in the study.
In conclusion, the abstract on long COVID symptoms compared with outcomes following influenza raises important questions about the potential long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Experts in the field have provided valuable insights and commentary, highlighting the importance of continued research and monitoring of individuals with long COVID symptoms.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and aware of the potential long-term effects on those affected by the virus.
With further research and collaboration, we can work towards better understanding and managing the impacts of long COVID, and ultimately, improving the health outcomes for all those affected.
