Doctors in India are grappling with the challenge of diagnosing and treating long Covid patients due to a lack of clear medical guidelines and comprehensive research. As the world shifts focus from the pandemic to recovery, attention is now on the persistent and unexplained symptoms seen in many COVID-19 survivors. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of Covid-19 as a global health emergency in May 2023, long Covid remains a significant concern globally, including in India, as the condition continues to affect millions of people.
Long Covid refers to a range of lingering symptoms that persist well beyond the acute infection phase. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and respiratory issues such as a persistent cough. These symptoms can affect various parts of the body and significantly impact a person’s quality of life, even after the initial COVID-19 infection has cleared.
Global and Regional Impact of Long Covid Globally, studies suggest that about one-third of people who experienced moderate or severe COVID-19 infections may suffer from long-term Covid. However, the prevalence of the condition varies across regions. According to a study by researchers from Harvard Medical School, approximately 31 per cent of people in North America, 44 per cent in Europe, and 51 per cent in Asia have experienced long Covid symptoms.
The study, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases in .