Long COVID Fatigue Can Lower a Person’s Quality of Life More Than Advanced Cancers, Study Reveals

For more than two years, the world has suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the healthcare industry and every country's social and economic conditions. In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to the declining trends in deaths and hospitalization.

Vaccines and other forms of medicine were developed as a response to this global threat. Although it seems that the world has gradually recovered economically after the pandemic, the health impact of this disease remains, especially for those who suffered from the condition known as long COVID.

Severe Impacts of Long COVID

A research study reveals the impact of fatigue, considered the primary symptom of long COVID, on patients' lives and its implications for a person's social behavior. It was found that this disease's impact is comparable to that of persons with Parkinson's.

Scientists at University College London (UCL) and the University of Exeter investigated the impact of long-term COVID on the quality of life of participants of 3,750 patients. These patients also use digital mobile applications for medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS).

The participants were asked to answer questionnaires on the app regarding the effect of long COVID on their daily activities. Aside from this, they were also asked to describe their anxiety, levels of fatigue and their quality of life.

It was revealed that many long COVID patients are seriously suffering from this disease. On average, their reported fatigue scores are worse or similar to those with anemia or severe kidney disease. When their quality of life was measured, experts discovered that the scores were lower than those with advanced metastatic cancers such as stage IV lung cancer.

Aside from the negative impact of long COVID on the patients' personal lives, the research team also believes that it could also affect the social and economic aspects of the country.

About 90% of the long COVID patients under study belong to the working class, and the disease has prevented them from working for at least one day in May. On the other hand, 20% of participants said they could not work at all. As 71% of patients were female, constituting most of the social care workforce, long COVID may affect their ability to function correctly.

The result of the study provides insight into better strategies for managing this medical condition. Experts believe understanding the impact of long COVID should prompt the authorities to design healthcare services the patients need.

What is Long COVID?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long COVID refers to the signs and conditions that persist after a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2. Also known as post-COVID conditions (PCC), this health condition can include various medical problems lasting for weeks, months, or even years. These conditions could be new, ongoing, or returning health problems.

Tiredness or fatigue is just one of the general symptoms of long COVID, along with fever and post-exertional malaise. Other symptoms could also manifest in other body parts, such as the lungs, heart, brain, and stomach. Some unexplained symptoms may also occur, resulting in poor diagnosis or improper treatment care. Before being referred to a long COVID clinic, a person must exhibit the symptoms for at least 12 weeks after getting an acute infection.

Experts are still trying to understand which particular group of people is likely to acquire long COVID. Meanwhile, experts recommend that the best way to prevent long COVID is to protect oneself and others from getting infected. Additional measures include vaccination, antiviral medicine, and getting a COVID-19 test if needed.