ICMR Study Finds COVID Symptoms Can Last for Months or Even Years
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A new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that COVID symptoms can last for months or even years after a person has recovered from the initial infection. The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open, tracked the health of over 14,000 patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 in India.
The study found that 17.1% of the patients reported experiencing long-term COVID symptoms, which are defined as symptoms that persist for more than four weeks after the initial infection. The most common long-term COVID symptoms were fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive abnormalities.
The study also found that people who had been hospitalized with severe COVID-19 were more likely to experience long-term COVID symptoms. However, even people who had mild COVID-19 were at risk of developing long-term symptoms.
The ICMR study is one of the largest studies to date on the long-term effects of COVID-19. The findings of the study are concerning, as they suggest that COVID-19 can have a lasting impact on people’s health, even after they have recovered from the initial infection.
What are the implications of the ICMR study for people in the USA?
The findings of the ICMR study are relevant to people in the USA, as the long-term effects of COVID-19 are likely to be similar in all populations. The study suggests that people who have had COVID-19, even if they had a mild case, should be aware of the risk of developing long-term symptoms.
If you have had COVID-19 and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor:
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Cognitive abnormalities (such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or brain fog)
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty tasting or smelling
- Depression or anxiety
What can be done to prevent long COVID?
There is no surefire way to prevent long COVID, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you do develop long COVID, there are treatments available that can help manage your symptoms. Your doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
The ICMR study is a reminder that COVID-19 is a serious illness that can have long-term consequences. If you have had COVID-19, be aware of the risk of developing long-term symptoms and see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
