WHO has defined COVID symptoms as long: when they appear and how long they can last

The World Health Organization (WHO) disseminate the standardized clinical definition of what he called post-covid-19 disease and explained that the symptoms include “fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction, this was officially reported today.”

Speaking at UN headquarters in Geneva, Janet Díaz, head of clinical management at the UN agency, explained that symptoms include “fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, but also d ‘others that generally affect day-to-day functioning “after a global consultation conducted. and published to facilitate the treatment of the sick.

What is a long COVID and when do symptoms appear

The emerging disease, also known as “long-term Covid-19, is contracted by people who have had confirmed or probable coronavirus infections.”

Diaz added that “usually appears three months later since the start of Covid-19. The symptoms last at least two months and they cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis, ”he warned of a lack of clarity from healthcare professionals on the disease, which has complicated efforts to advance research and treatment.

“Symptoms may be new, after initial recovery from an acute episode; Or, they can persist from the onset of the disease. In addition, the symptoms may also fluctuate or there may be relapses over time, ”he added.

By releasing the definition, the WHO also said the majority of coronavirus patients make a full recovery, although some suffer “Long-term effects on the body, in the pulmonary, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as psychological effects ”. These effects can occur regardless of the initial severity of the infection and are more common in women, middle-aged people, and those who initially had more symptoms.

Díaz described the new definition as “an important step” to standardize the recognition of patients with this disease. He said the WHO hopes it “will help medical and health workers recognize patients and start appropriate treatments and interventions.”

“We hope that policymakers and health systems will establish and apply integrated health models to care for these patients,” he added.

Doubts about how to detect post-covid disease

While there are several tests to detect the initial Covid-19 infection, there are none to detect this subsequent condition, and it is not yet known what triggers it in patients.

“Is it about viral persistence, or is there microthrombosis or a problem with the vascular system?” Diaz asked, describing some of the ideas scientists are studying.

The postcovid-19 condition occurs in people with a history of infection probable or confirmed by SARS-CoV-2. It usually occurs three months after the onset of Covid-19 with symptoms that last at least two months and that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.

The most common symptoms are:

• Tired
• Difficulty in breathing
• Cognitive dysfunction

However, other symptoms can also occur which usually affect the patient’s daily functioning.

These symptoms may be of recent onset, after initial recovery from an acute episode of coronavirus, or they may persist from the onset of illness.