It has been five years since the pandemic was first detected in China and halted operations globally for more than a year. COVID-19 shocked the entire world and left a lasting impact on people. Researchers are still understanding the airborne virus and how it affects people years after its emergence.
The side effects of COVID remain an unsolved puzzle without any authentic cure. However, one thing researchers agree upon is the perplexing consequence of COVID-19 – Long COVID. Let’s dive deep into the condition, its effect on the brain, and mitigation measures.
What is this new term, Long COVID?
Well, Long COVID is not a new term; it first surfaced in 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Long COVID is a chronic condition that occurs in individuals who have been affected by coronavirus infection.
It has ongoing symptoms that worsen with time and can last for months or years after the virus. People are prone to contracting COVID-19 multiple times, and each time they are infected, they have a chance of developing symptoms of Long COVID.
While reports of active cases of COVID side effects have decreased, it remains a pressing concern for healthcare institutions all across the globe.
Signs and symptoms of Long Covid
People suffering from Long COVID may experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. People may experience these symptoms for weeks, months or years. An individual may experience symptoms different from another; however, some common signs and symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Sleep issues
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Rash
People who suffered from a severe COVID-19 infection may experience effects on multiple organs.
Therefore, individuals with a history of COVID-19 are likely to develop new or worsening pre-existing health issues such as diabetes, heart conditions, and neurological conditions.
How It Affects The Brain?
There have been several studies that shed light on the devastating effects of Long COVID on people’s brains. A research study on hospitalized COVID patients during the first wave in 2019 was published in Lancet Psychiatry. The findings of the study suggested that hospitalized individuals experienced cognitive issues for up to three years after the infection.
Moreover, researchers have found that COVID-19 patients report brain fog. People have reported forgetfulness and inability to focus, concentrate and pay attention. While brain fog is not official in the medical field, it is an informal term assigned to several neurocognitive issues that lead to such symptoms.
Another study was conducted on COVID survivors when post-mortem findings of deceased COVID patients showed abnormalities in their brainstem. Researchers did find abnormalities in COVID survivors six months after hospitalization.
The Power of Pure Air
It all started with air! Poor indoor air quality, with higher concentrations of suspended SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, spread the infection like wildfire. One infected person in a room led to the transmission of the virus to all occupants. This suggested that clean air and adequate ventilation could help prevent virus transmission and save lives. Check how pure indoor air quality helps minimize the spread of transmissible infections.
Indoor air quality is also linked to cognitive function and performance. A Harvard study showed that poor ventilation can lead to slower response times and a decrease in cognitive function.
Given this, air purification is a crucial strategy in the post-COVID era. Air purification technology, like Euromate Pure Air’s, purifies indoor air, allows better oxygen flow, and decreases the prevalence of toxins, contaminants, and airborne viruses, leading to improved mental and physical well-being.
Euromate Pure Air – The Ultimate Air Purification Companion
Brain fog has become a reality now, and Long COVID is a pressing issue. Amid such critical health challenges, Euromate Pure Air plays a vital role in mitigating COVID side effects.
With fresh air, indoor spaces become breathable and healthy. Our entire range of domestic and residential air cleaners features HEPA filters that are known to capture small airborne particles efficiently.
To inquire about our air purification range, contact our top-quality indoor air quality experts today.
