Introduction

Health professionals in India are facing significant hurdles in diagnosing and treating long Covid, a condition characterized by enduring and often perplexing symptoms post-Covid infection. As the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of Covid's status as a global health emergency in May 2023, the focus has shifted towards understanding long Covid, with numerous countries endeavoring to quantify its impact.

Symptoms of Long Covid

Long Covid symptoms range widely, affecting various bodily systems and persisting long after the initial infection has resolved. Common issues include persistent cough, chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, and difficulties concentrating - all stemming from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Prevalence of Long Covid

According to studies, approximately one-third of individuals who experienced moderate to severe Covid infections may develop long Covid. However, its prevalence varies regionally, with a study involving researchers from Harvard Medical School estimating long Covid rates of 31% in North America, 44% in Europe, and intriguingly, 51% in Asia, indicating a pressing challenge for healthcare systems globally. Yet, India lags in research capacity, hampering effective treatment options.

Study from India