Long COVID worse than many thought

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WBRC) – A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford shows long COVID is worse than many thought.

Long COVID refers to people who were infected and continued to have health problems long after infection. Out of 270,000 people, about 37% who had COVID said they continued to have health symptoms three to six months after being infected for the first time.

Leigh Gordon is a mother of two boys who were infected with COVID-19 in May 2020. Gordon still had symptoms in August of this year and had to be hospitalized. She says it’s an ongoing problem. “I have had four relapses since August 2020. My body has gone numb from my neck to my feet.” Gordon said.

The Oxford study did not reveal the causes of long COVID, its severity or its duration, but it is much longer than the flu. The Jefferson County health official was surprised by the large number of patients who still had issues from COVID. “It’s hard to study this because some of the symptoms are common symptoms that are in the general population. Sometimes caused by other viral diseases. Dr Mark Wilson said

The long COVID can include a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, breathing problems, headaches, and abdominal problems. “A lot of people have long-term symptoms of COVID that can last for at least several months. You never know who is going to get it and who isn’t. You don’t know who is going to have serious complications and who will have minor complications. Wilson said.

The study found that older people had more severe symptoms, but even children had mild symptoms.

Gordon read the report and she was hopeful researchers would continue to take a closer look at the long COVID.

“I totally agree with the article. I personally know people who have long lasting effects and were perfectly healthy before they got COVID,” says Gordon.

Gordon was recently fully vaccinated. She says she’s been better lately, even resuming her passion for running. “I have found that taking vitamin D-3 daily helps prevent relapses. I haven’t had a relapse for four months. Gordon said.

Dr Wilson said his top advice is doing everything you can to avoid contracting COVID. To get vaccinated. Wear masks and stay socially aloof. The study also told parents to do everything possible to get their children vaccinated so they don’t end up having long-term symptoms.

Copyright 2021 WBRC. All rights reserved.