Long COVID-19 symptoms may vary depending on this

Thanks to some time and research, we’re learning more about the long-lived COVID-19, its symptoms, and why it affects some people more than others. A new study says symptoms of long-lived COVID-19 can vary depending on the COVID-19 variant responsible for the infection.

The study, conducted by researchers from Italy, conducted a retrospective observational study on over 400 subjects treated for post-COVID-19 in June 2021 and June 2021. During this period, the variants circulating were the original form of the virus and the alpha variant was circulating, and the researchers compared and contrasted both and found significant differences. The researchers will present their findings at this year’s European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases conference.

RELATED: Why COVID-19 Sometimes Causes This Unexpected Side Effect

Photo by Mufid Majnun via Unsplash

Study participants had been admitted with COVID-19 and were required to complete a persistent symptom questionnaire once they recovered four to 12 weeks later. About 76% of patients reported persistent symptoms, with the most common symptoms being shortness of breath and chronic fatigue, at least in those infected with the original form of the virus.

The researchers found that the alpha variant was more likely to produce symptoms such as insomnia, muscle aches and pains, brain fog, and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

The study showed that subjects with a stronger COVID-19 who required stronger immunosuppressive drugs were six times more likely to report long COVID-19 symptoms.

“Many of the symptoms reported in this study were measured, but this is the first time they have been associated with different COVID-19 variants,” said study leader Dr. Michele Spinicci. “The long duration and wide range of symptoms remind us that the problem is not going away and we need to do more to support and protect these patients over the long term. Future research should focus on the potential impact of problem variants and vaccination status on ongoing symptoms.”

RELATED: Long COVID symptoms could be linked to this condition, study finds

Recently, we’ve learned more and more about the long-lasting COVID-19 and the factors that make some people more likely to experience its symptoms. Although much remains questionable, researchers believe disease severity, comorbidity, and other factors may contribute to long-term COVID-19 outbreaks being more likely.