<
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/03220/long_covid_s_impact_on_patients,_workers,__.50.aspx>
"The incidence of long COVID in adult survivors of an acute SARS-CoV-2
infection is approximately 11%. Of those afflicted, 26% have difficulty with
day-to-day activities. The majority of long COIVD cases occur after mild or
asymptomatic acute infection. Children can spread SARS-CoV-2 infections and can
also develop long-term neurological, endocrine (type I diabetes), and
immunological sequelae. Immunological hypofunction is exemplified by the recent
large outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus and streptococcal infections.
Neurological manifestations are associated with anatomical brain damage
demonstrated on brain scans and autopsy studies. The prefrontal cortex is
particularly susceptible. Common symptoms include brain fog, memory loss,
executive dysfunction, and personality changes.
The impact on society has been profound. Fewer than half of previously employed
adults who develop long COVID are working full-time, and 42% of patients
reported food insecurity and 20% reported difficulties paying rent. Vaccination
not only helps prevent severe COVID-19, but numerous studies have found
beneficial effects in preventing and mitigating long COVID. There is also
evidence that vaccination after an acute infection can lessen the symptoms of
long COVID. Physical and occupational therapy can also help patients regain
function, but the approach must be “low and slow.” Too much physical or mental
activity can result in post-exertional malaise and set back the recovery
process by days or weeks. The complexity of long COVID presentations coupled
with rampant organized disinformation, have caused significant segments of the
public to ignore sound public health advice. Further research is needed
regarding treatment and effective public communication.
Key points
* The best way to prevent long COVID is to not develop COVID-19.
* Neurological and immunological manifestations of long COVID can have a
profound impact on children and adults.
* Neurological sequelae can present as brain fog, cognitive disorders,
personality changes, and executive dysfunction.
* Immunological sequelae can present as autoimmune diseases and increase
susceptibility to common diseases.
* Approximately 11% of acute SARS-CoV-2 infections develop long COVID of these
patients, 26% have difficulty with day-to-day functions.
* Rehabilitation involves a “low and slow” process and post-exertional malaise
can occur if physical or mental activities are initiated too quickly.
* Vaccinations even after developing acute COVID-19 can help prevent or
mitigate the symptoms of long COVID."
Via Violet Blue’s
Pandemic Roundup: March 28, 2024
https://www.patreon.com/posts/pandemic-roundup-101221362
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
