Experts Expose Common Myths About Long Covid: What You Need to Know

Myths about long COVID are everywhere. It’s important to sift through the noise and get to the facts. Let’s dive into some common misconceptions, straight from experts in the field.

Myth 1: Long COVID Isn’t Real

Truth: Long COVID is indeed a real condition. Dr. Lisa Sanders, medical director of the Long COVID Care Center at Yale, explains that it has biological causes. Some people may show abnormal blood test results, like unusual white blood cell counts. Other tests reveal problems, such as mitochondria struggling to gather oxygen from blood. This might explain why one-third of long COVID sufferers experience extreme fatigue. So, while these issues may not always be visible, they are very much present.

Myth 2: Boosters Don’t Help Against Long COVID

Truth: They do! Dr. Saahir Khan from USC notes that a COVID booster can lower the risk of developing long COVID by up to 23%. Even if someone contracts COVID after being vaccinated, the booster helps the immune system fight it off quicker, reducing damage and complications like long COVID.

Myth 3: Long COVID Isn’t a Big Concern Anymore

Truth: We wish that were true. Though long COVID cases have gone down, a significant number of people still suffer. About 4% of vaccinated individuals and 8% of unvaccinated people develop long COVID. Recent studies show a staggering 68% of those with symptoms after six months still experience them two years later. Common symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, and even brain fog.

Myth 4: Long COVID Lasts Forever

Truth: Many people recover from long COVID. Recent studies reveal that about half of those affected report feeling better within three months. The brain can adapt and compensate for cognitive changes, but recovery isn’t uniform for everyone. Treatment can include medication and physical therapy, which can help ease symptoms.

Myth 5: Doctors Understand Long COVID Causes

Truth: The exact causes are still unclear. Factors like age, gender, and health status can increase risk, but even healthy individuals can be affected. Researchers suggest various potential causes such as lingering virus remnants, autoimmune responses, and organ damage from the initial infection. Dr. Khan emphasizes that the immune system must properly shut down after the infection, or symptoms may persist.

Additional Insights

Recent public discussions on social media have also highlighted these myths and the challenges faced by those with long COVID. For instance, the hashtag #LongCovid has seen increased use as individuals share their experiences and raise awareness.

In the meantime, experts agree that vaccination remains one of the best defenses against severe outcomes from COVID-19, including long COVID. Ongoing research is crucial to understanding this complex condition better.

For more information on long COVID, you can refer to resources like the CDC or studies published in reputable medical journals.

Source link

content-type: How-to & Service,locale: US,displayType: standard article,shortTitle: 5 Myths About Long Covid You Need to Know,contentId: 1c899467-975e-4d3d-8c29-4c2f42f663ff