How are people with long COVID faring two years after their initial infection? Many have recovered. Some still struggle with symptoms – this is more likely for those who were initially hospitalised.
More than half our interviewees described feelings of profound anguish as long COVID forced them to doubt their identity and question their life purpose
As COVID finds its equilibrium, infection rates will rise and fall, influenced by seasons, school holidays and new subvariants. Managing the risk is complex and needs to be cost effective.
A recent study found that among people who were overweight or obese, taking metformin during a COVID infection reduced the risk of developing long COVID by 40%.
Adam Wheatley, The University of Melbourne and Jennifer Juno, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Firstly, there is no such thing as ‘too much’ immunity. Beyond the regular side-effects of a vaccine, there are no known additional risks to being re-vaccinated soon after an infection.
With the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror, at least for now, we look back on a handful of stories that provided sharp insights at key moments in the pandemic.
People with long COVID report that their symptoms are dismissed or not treated seriously by health-care providers. This medical gaslighting not only prevents treatment but can cause stigma and shame.
Many people with long COVID experience persistent debilitating symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. But a few develop more life-threatening and lasting damage to their heart and brain.
Long COVID affects millions of people around the world.
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There are a range of reasons people with long COVID may have poorer mental health.
Inflammation of the heart (shown here), known as myocarditis, can be triggered by viral infection, including COVID-19, as well as from COVID-19 vaccination, in rare cases.
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Parsing the risk of myocarditis from viral infection versus vaccination is challenging, and researchers are intensely studying the various factors that are at play.
Pollution is linked to a range of health problems – including greater risk of COVID-19.
Lemberg Vector studio/ Shutterstock
New Zealand’s initial elimination approach to COVID has significantly decreased the risk of hospitalisation and death. Now we need to find the right mix of measures to limit infection and reinfection.
SHARP Professor, Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney