Long Covid symptoms persist for many individuals

Many people are still feeling the effects of Covid-19 long after their initial infections. They describe a range of persistent symptoms that have changed their lives. Alisha Sikaria is one of those people. She got Covid in 2020 and spent 15 days in the hospital. Five years later, she says she still struggles with fatigue and memory issues. Simple tasks, like climbing stairs, can leave her drained. Another Covid survivor, Parth Swain, notices a feeling of accelerated aging. He has developed health issues like hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis since his illness. He describes mood swings and weight gain as part of his ongoing struggles. Doctors are still trying to understand long Covid, which they define as symptoms lasting more than three months. Medical experts have observed that some people have lingering issues like sleep disturbances and memory problems. They are studying the long-term effects of Covid, including how the virus might affect multiple organs. Research indicates that women and older individuals may experience symptoms more frequently. A recent study found that fatigue, memory decline, and reduced exercise ability are common among long Covid patients. However, not all experts agree on the connection between Covid and these ongoing health problems. Some argue that lifestyle changes since the pandemic, like reduced physical activity, may contribute more than the virus itself. While many patients are showing improvements over time, the experience of long Covid varies widely. Some individuals developed new autoimmune conditions or digestive issues following their recovery. The medical community continues to observe these cases and research the complexities of long Covid to better understand its impact.