Long Covid is a condition in which you continue to experience the symptoms of a coronavirus infection even after testing negative for the virus. It may be severe for some individuals, or it might be a persistent health issue that you can’t get rid of.

What increases your chances of experiencing the Covid aftereffect? Emma Duncan, Professor of Clinical Endocrinology at King’s College London (KCL), noted that being “very sick” with Covid-19 may lead to a long-Covid. Another risk factor for the long-term illness is being “frail before contracting the virus”.

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“These different causes of long COVID could explain why such a variety of symptoms have been reported,” said Duncan.

According to data from the Covid Symptom Study, the likelihood of acquiring extended Covid rises with age.

Dr Claire Steves of KCL, a reader in ageing research, highlighted the facts.

“The rates of long COVID range from about one to two percent for people in their 20s to about five percent for people in their 60s,” she said.

Long Covid is also more frequently reported in women than in men, according to the study.

And the illness seems to be more prevalent among individuals who have asthma.

Furthermore, prior to Covid infection, poor physical or mental health has been associated with an increased chance of acquiring long Covid.

Dr Claire further added:

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“Your risk of getting COVID is cut by at least 60 percent after having one vaccine and by at least 85 percent after double vaccination.

“And if you are unlucky enough to get COVID after vaccination, your risk of developing long COVID is dramatically reduced – and that’s true in all age groups.”

Seven risk factors that may lead to the development of long Covid

1. Really sick with Covid infection
2. Was frail before a Covid infection
3. Older age
4. You’re a woman
5. You have asthma
6. You’re in poor physical health
7. You’re in poor mental health.

Professor Duncan further explains that “this is not the first, or the only illness, that can have prolonged effects”.

“I think we can build on research done in other illnesses to help us understand long COVID,” she said.

In an effort to find a way to assist individuals who are affected by long-term consequences, Professor Duncan believes further study is necessary.

Blood thinners, or statins, are now being tested in ongoing clinical studies to see whether they may help those who have long Covid.

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“One size is not going to fit all when it comes to treating long COVID,” said Professor Duncan.

This is why “understanding the causes” of long Covid that apply to specific people can lead to tailored solutions.

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