A recent study sheds light on the challenges associated with long Covid, also referred to as post Covid syndrome. The research indicates that more than 35% of those with persistent long Covid reported experiencing post-exertional malaise, characterized by a notable intolerance to exercise. This condition persisted even into the second year of illness.
The study, published in PLoS Medicine, found that approximately 68% of long Covid patients grappled with fatigue, cognitive issues, breathlessness, and various mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Participants reported a range of symptoms, including pain syndromes, confusion, and dizziness, particularly those who experienced post-exertional malaise. More than 50% of patients with long Covid showed this malaise alongside fatigue and cognitive disturbances.
Conducted in southwestern Germany, the study involved 982 adults, with 65% of participants diagnosed with long Covid being women. The authors noted that most individuals of working age did not recover by the second year of illness, as reported symptoms remained largely unchanged. Despite evidence of cognitive deficits and reduced exercise capacity, laboratory tests did not reveal any major pathology, suggesting that viral persistence was unlikely.
Additionally, obesity emerged as a significant risk factor among participants with long Covid. The study highlights an ongoing concern, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that post-exertional malaise can intensify symptoms following physical or mental exertion. Since late 2019, over 750 million Covid-19 cases have been documented worldwide, with at least 14% of those testing positive in the U.S. experiencing long Covid symptoms.