Scientists have discovered that “long colds” can be just as prevalent as long COVID, with individuals experiencing prolonged symptoms following respiratory infections like colds, flu, and pneumonia.
Symptoms of a long cold include coughing, stomach pain, diarrhoea lasting over a month, heart palpitations, sweating, and hair loss. Notably, long COVID patients were more prone to symptoms like light-headedness, dizziness, and taste and smell problems.
The study, conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, suggests potential long-lasting health impacts from non-COVID respiratory infections, often overlooked. Professor Adrian Martineau, the chief investigator, emphasised the need for ongoing research to understand why some individuals experience prolonged symptoms.
Long COVID can lead to organ damage, particularly in the lungs, brain, and kidneys, as observed in patients five months post-infection. Personal accounts, like that of Sky News’ Rowland Manthorpe, illustrate the debilitating effects of long COVID, including fatigue and cognitive impairment lasting over 18 months.
While research indicates mild cases of long COVID may resolve within a year, experimental drugs offer hope for symptom reduction. However, further research is necessary to determine if long colds can have a similar duration and why symptom severity varies among individuals.
The severity of the initial illness increases the risk of long-term health issues, as highlighted by the study. Data collection was part of the “Covidence UK” national study of COVID-19 launched in 2020.
Professor Martineau stressed the importance of ongoing research to understand prolonged symptoms in individuals testing negative for COVID, aiming to tailor appropriate treatment and care. Lead author Giulia Vivaldi emphasized the need to investigate lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections alongside long COVID.
Overall, the study underscores the significance of recognizing and addressing prolonged symptoms following respiratory infections beyond COVID-19. Challenges in diagnosing and treating these “long” infections stem from the lack of specific diagnostic tests and the diverse range of possible symptoms. Ongoing research efforts offer hope for improved understanding and management of these conditions, potentially alleviating the burden on affected individuals.
