Study Reveals Nearly One in Ten May Have Long Covid

 

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Study Reveals Nearly One in Ten May Have Long Covid

A recent study suggests that close to 10% of individuals in England suspect they might be experiencing long Covid, based on an evaluation of national data.

Researchers from the University of Southampton analyzed NHS England records, which indicated that 4.8% of individuals reported having the condition.

By reviewing over 750,000 responses from the GP Patient Survey, the study further uncovered that 9.1% of respondents believe they could be affected by long Covid.

This chronic condition arises as a consequence of Covid-19 infection and manifests through symptoms such as persistent fatigue, breathlessness, cognitive difficulties, and heart palpitations.

Findings also highlight that long Covid is more prevalent among individuals in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, specific ethnic groups, caregivers, parents, and those already managing other long-term health conditions.

Professor Nisreen Alwan, one of the study’s co-authors, emphasized that the findings "add further evidence of the unfairness of long Covid," particularly affecting individuals "already disadvantaged in society."

"It also shows us that many people aren't sure if they have it, and may need diagnosis, treatment and support."

She further described the condition as "still a very significant issue impacting individuals, families, the economy and wider society."

"We need to do more to prevent it, diagnose it, and properly support people who are affected by it," she added.

The study also found that younger individuals under 25, men, people from certain ethnic minority backgrounds, and those without pre-existing long-term conditions were more likely to be uncertain about whether they had long Covid.

One potential reason for this uncertainty is that men, in general, are less inclined to seek medical attention compared to women. Additionally, researchers suggest that factors such as stigma and self-doubt may prevent individuals from pursuing a formal diagnosis.

Mirembe Woodrow, a PhD researcher at Southampton who conducted the analysis, noted: "We were really surprised to find so many people weren't sure whether they had long Covid or not, and the study shows there is still work to do to increase awareness of the condition and remove barriers to accessing diagnosis, treatment and support."

"We don't want long Covid to be another factor that contributes to the widening health gap in the UK."