Doctors are sounding the alarm about Long Covid following a significant study conducted by scientists at King’s College London. The research, which spanned 32 months and involved over 5,000 healthcare professionals, has revealed troubling statistics. According to the findings, a staggering 33.6% of healthcare workers in England are experiencing symptoms consistent with Long Covid.
The study’s results are particularly concerning for those who had direct contact with COVID-19 patients, as they appear to be at a higher risk of developing lingering symptoms. Additionally, certain groups were found to be more vulnerable, including females, individuals aged 51 to 60, and those with pre-existing respiratory or mental health conditions. told by NIH.
Despite the high percentage of affected workers, only 7.4% of participants have received a formal diagnosis of Long Covid, raising concerns about undiagnosed cases. This gap suggests that many healthcare workers may not be receiving the support they need for a condition that continues to impact their daily lives.
Dr. Danielle Lamb, the lead author of the study, emphasized the ongoing threat of Covid-19, stating, “Covid-19 has not gone away. We know that more infections mean more people are at risk of developing Long Covid.” Dr. Lamb also highlighted the particular vulnerability of healthcare workers, adding, “This research shows that we should be particularly concerned about the impacts of this on the health and social care sector, especially in older and female workers, and staff with pre-existing physical and mental health conditions.”
The study’s findings highlight the need for greater awareness of Long Covid and more effective diagnostic practices. Researchers are urging for immediate improvements in how the condition is identified and treated, particularly among healthcare professionals who are on the front lines of battling the pandemic.
Long Covid, also known as post-Covid syndrome (PCS), affects individuals who continue to experience symptoms long after recovering from the initial infection. According to NHS guidelines, these symptoms can include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and heart palpitations. Other common complaints are a persistent loss of smell, chest pain, depression, and neurological issues like tinnitus and pins and needles. report from Nature.
As pressure on the NHS continues following the pandemic’s peak, healthcare workers are still grappling with the aftermath of Covid-19. The team at King’s College London stresses the importance of providing timely support and care for those suffering from Long Covid, calling for urgent action to ensure that medical professionals are not left behind in the fight against this ongoing health challenge.
