WHO chief warns about devastating long Covid situation; here’s all we know about the infection so far

The symptoms of COVID-19 are well known, much less is known about what happens after recovery. While most persons with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health, some patients can have symptoms that last for weeks or even months after recovery. (Image: News18 Creative)

World Health Organisation chief warned about devastating long Covid situation, underscoring the impact of persistent Covid symptoms on health and productivity of people. (Image: News18 Creative)

The term ‘long Covid’ describes an array of symptoms people experience even after recovering from COVID-19. While most persons with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health, some patients can have symptoms that last for weeks or even months after recovery from acute illness. (Image: News18 Creative)

A study published in October 2022 in the journal Nature Communications found that between 6 and 18 months of COVID-19 infection five percent people who had been sick with the virus reported not recovering at all. (Image: News18 Creative)

According to the study, the following symptoms are among the most common reported by long Covid patients two months into their illness. (Image: News18 Creative)

A look at who is more likely to develop long Covid symptoms. (Image: News18 Creative)

A study published in January 2022 in Cell Press Journal highlighted that long Covid symptoms have a high correlation with four factors. (Image: News18 Creative)

COVID-19 can cause damage to heart muscle, lung tissue, mental health, brain and nervous system. (Image: News18 Creative)