Long COVID update: Official NICE guidelines highlight 28 symptoms of post-COVID syndrome
As we move towards the end of 2020, medical professionals worldwide have made leaps and bounds with grappling the invisible threat to society. Public health measures have been introduced, vaccines have been created at breakneck speed, and now the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has provided expertise on long COVID.
In the official NICE guidelines, published on Friday, December 18, 28 signs of long COVID have been identified.
It includes: respiratory troubles, cardiovascular difficulties, neurological disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues.
The 28 symptoms of long COVID
Respiratory issues
- Breathlessness
- Cough
Cardiovascular symptoms
- Chest tightness
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
Generalised symptoms
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Pain
Neurological symptoms
- Cognitive impairment (‘brain fog’, loss of concentration or memory issues)
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
- Peripheral neuropathy symptoms (pins and needles and numbness)
- Dizziness
- Delirium (in older populations)
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Anorexia and reduced appetite (in older populations)
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Musculoskeletal symptoms
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
Psychological/psychiatric symptoms
- Symptoms of depression
- Symptoms of anxiety
Ear, nose and throat symptoms
- Tinnitus
- Earache
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Loss of taste and/or smell
Dermatological
- Skin rashes
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NICE testify that the symptoms of long COVID above are not limited to those mentioned; they are based on the most commonly reported long-term side effects of the virus.
In the official document, it classifies when a person is considered to have post-COVID syndrome.
In order for a diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome to occur, long-term side effects of the disease must persist for 12 weeks or longer.
Lingering symptoms of COVID-19 that last between four to 12 weeks is considered to be “ongoing symptomatic COVID-19”.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that one in five people have coronavirus symptoms for five weeks or more.
Another statistic published by the ONS (on Wednesday, December 16) demonstrated that one in 10 have coronavirus symptoms that persist for 12 weeks or longer.
Recent reports have warned about the new strain of coronavirus, which may spread more easily than previous mutations of the virus.
Sky News reported SAGE – the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies – is expected to meet on Monday, December 21 to discuss the data.
At present, the mutated coronavirus is predominately affecting the south and south east of England.
Further restrictions are on the horizon for many regions, including Northern Ireland who are going to enter a six-week lockdown from Boxing Day.
Concerns are mounting as public officials, and the public, understand more infections are highly likely after the five-day Christmas lifting of restrictions.
With the increasing likelihood of further restrictions in the New Year, what are your thoughts about the Christmas break? Please comment below.
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