A New Study Has Revealed What 'Long-Haul' COVID-19 Symptoms Look Like In Canadians
Some Canadians have been experiencing symptoms for over 11 months.
A new study was put forth on June 3 that reveals how long-haul COVID-19 symptoms are presenting in Canadians.
The study was conducted by Viral Neuro Exploration (VINEx), COVID Long Haulers Support Group Canada, and Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC).
There were 1,048 survey respondents from across Canada who were aged between 18 and 90.
Over 80% of the long-haulers who answered the survey had experienced symptoms for over three months, and nearly 50% said they had symptoms for 11 months or more.
The top reported symptoms included "brain fog," fatigue, and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms were headaches, dizziness, and anxiety.
Long-Haul COVID-19 & Brain Health
The study was particularly concerned with the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on brain health. "While vaccines and physical distancing are important to prevent and mitigate COVID-19, the survey suggests the impact of COVID-19 on brain health will last beyond the pandemic," said the press release.
The survey data showed that nearly half of the respondents had recieved medical care for long-lasting COVID-19 sympotoms more than five times. In fact, almost a third of the surveyed Canaidans said they recieved medical care more than 10 times.
"Six out of 10 had to take leave from work as a consequence of living with Long COVID, for weeks or months at a time, sometimes leading to early retirement," the release noted.
It added that "it is currently estimated that 25-35% of COVID-19 patients are experiencing the long-term effects of the virus."