Researchers examined data from more than 250,000 patients, who were mostly male veterans, with long Covid to establish different subtypes of the condition.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo and the Department of Veterans Affairs "identified 180 clinical scenarios and 17 clinical subtypes that were upregulated in people who had long COVID."

The largest subtype of long Covid was cardiology. Diagnoses in this subtype included "low blood pressure, heart failure, arrythmias and atrial fibrillation."

The next most common subtype was neurology, with symptoms including "low back pain, severe muscle weakness and cognitive impairment."

Other common subtypes were ophthalmology and pulmonology.

The most cited symptoms of long Covid included fatigue, brain fog, acute respiratory distress, chronic cough, respiratory failure, and dependence on supplemental oxygen.

Being older, having other health conditions before Covid infection, having a more severe case of Covid-19, having low oxygen saturation during infection, and not receiving a Covid-19 vaccination increased a person's risk of developing long Covid.

One goal of the study is to help clinicians recognize and diagnose long Covid and help researchers study how a Covid infection leads to long Covid. Ellen Goldbaum "Researchers use big data to establish long COVID subtypes based on more than 250,000 patients" medicalxpress.com (Jun. 24, 2024).

Commentary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that long Covid "is not one illness," and there is no laboratory test to determine if symptoms are caused by long Covid.

In fact, an individual may have long Covid even if they never had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. In addition, clinical evaluations, routine blood tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms may be normal in those with long Covid.

To determine if a patient has long Covid, health care providers consider health history; tests, symptoms, or exposure to diagnose Covid-19; and a health examination.

Individuals who think they have long Covid should talk to their health care provider "to create a personal medical management plan and improve their symptoms and quality of life."

Anyone, including a child, who gets infected with Covid-19 can experience long Covid. "Long COVID Basics" www.cdc.gov.                     

Here are some ways to prevent Covid-19 infection and transmission:

• There are several highly effective, safe vaccines and boosters available to help prevent serious illness or death from COVID-19.
   
• The best ways to prevent illness are to avoid being exposed to this virus and to be vaccinated and boosted.
   
• The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person through the air.
   
• The virus be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Quarantine yourself if you are exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Isolate if you test positive.
   
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. Double masking is recommended or use of an N95 or KN95. A mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

• Avoid enclosed spaces, even if people are physically distancing and masked.