CDC Vows To Better Understand Long COVID As Cases Continue To Baffle Experts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has vowed to exert more effort in better understanding long COVID while still monitoring the ongoing pandemic.

More than two years into the global health crisis, the medical community has become more perplexed by the syndrome of conditions that continues to persist in millions of people who previously battled COVID-19.

“A growing number of persons previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have reported persistent symptoms, or the onset of long-term symptoms, ≥4 weeks after acute COVID-19; these symptoms are commonly referred to as post-COVID conditions, or long COVID,” the public health agency said this week.

In its latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC pointed out how post-COVID syndrome appeared more common among adults, specifically the 18-64 and over 65 age groups in the United States.

The incidence of long COVID in the 18-64 group was one in five, while the incidence in the over 65 age group was one in four. The CDC also noted that these COVID-19 survivors have a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism or respiratory conditions.

As such, the agency has called for the implementation of prevention strategies and routine assessment for post-COVID syndrome in patients who survive COVID-19. This is to reduce the incidence of long COVID and lower the impact of the lingering symptoms on the two age groups, as per Fox News.

The CDC organized the long COVID symptoms into several categories, including neurologic and mental health conditions, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, blood and vascular tissue problems, and kidney failure. COVID survivors who have any of the symptoms are urged to speak with their health care provider.

Finally, the agency reiterated the need for vaccinations during the pandemic to prevent infection and the complications that come with the virus. The CDC maintained that vaccination is still the best way to control the long COVID situation.

“The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to protect yourself and others from becoming infected. For people who are eligible, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with vaccines against COVID-19 can help prevent COVID-19 infection and protect against severe illness,” the CDC said.