A recent study has found that health problems and brain fog can persist for years in individuals hospitalized with Covid early in the pandemic. Researchers discovered that while many individuals with long Covid improved over time, a significant proportion continued to experience cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, and fatigue two to three years after their initial infection.
The study, which focused on 475 people who were hospitalized with the virus before vaccines were available, revealed that patients’ IQs were on average 10 points lower than expected for their age and education level. Additionally, one in nine participants exhibited severe cognitive deficits equivalent to an IQ 30 points lower than expected.
Furthermore, questionnaires completed by participants showed that many experienced moderate to severe levels of depression, fatigue, and anxiety two to three years after Covid. These symptoms worsened over time rather than improving, suggesting a substantial neuropsychiatric burden years after the initial infection.
The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and management of long Covid symptoms to prevent the development of more complex disorders. With the number of people experiencing long Covid symptoms continuing to rise, healthcare professionals are emphasizing the need for vigilance and caution in the face of milder Covid variants and ongoing transmission.
While the study had limitations, including a relatively small sample size and potential biases in participant selection, it highlights the long-term consequences of Covid infections. With the risk of long Covid still present, researchers and healthcare professionals are urging individuals to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and take precautions to reduce the risk of severe health problems associated with the virus.
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