Scientists say long Covid has more than 200 symptoms

The largest-ever international study of people with long Covid has identified more than 200 symptoms and prompted researchers to call for a national screening program., Report informs, citing The Lancet.

The study involved 3,762 people from 56 countries with confirmed “long-term” COVID-19 or suspected it. Of the 203 signs of the disease, 66 persisted for at least seven months. The most common were fatigue, malaise after physical exertion, and “fog in the head.” Visual hallucinations, tremors, itching of the skin, changes in the menstrual cycle, sexual dysfunction, palpitations, problems with bladder control, shingles, memory loss, blurred vision, diarrhea, and tinnitus were quite common.

On average, about 14 symptoms were detected in people with prolonged COVID-19. They affected the work of ten organs. In some cases, the signs of infection remained for 16 months and progressed over time. About 22% of respondents said they could not work after an illness, and 45% demanded a reduced schedule.

Scientists have called for creating a state screening program that will allow for a better understanding of how many people have been affected by the pandemic and what support they will need.