The global world is slowly coming out of the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic leaving millions of people struggling with the aftermath of the virus commonly known as long Covid. Across the country, these doctors struggle with diagnostic and therapeutic management of these patients because there are few rules and little literature within the country about the disorder. This article focuses on the issues associated with long Covid, the nature of symptoms the patients have to deal with, and further research into these topics.
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid encompasses a range of symptoms that persist long after the initial Covid-19 infection has resolved. Patients report various issues, including:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that affects daily activities.
- Respiratory Symptoms: Ongoing cough and asthma-like conditions.
- Neurological Issues: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: Unexplained aches and discomfort in the body.
According to a study from Maulana Azad Medical College, approximately 45% of recovered Covid-19 patients in India report lingering symptoms, with fatigue and dry cough being particularly prevalent.
Global and Indian Studies on Long Covid
Research from Harvard Medical School, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, highlights the widespread nature of long Covid:
- 31% of moderately or severely infected individuals in North America.
- 44% in Europe.
- 51% in Asia.
These statistics underscore the global health challenge posed by long Covid. In India, a significant number of individuals experience ongoing health issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research and tailored treatment approaches.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
A major challenge that current Indian doctors encounter is the lack of particular tests or protocols for identifying long Covid. Dr. Another expert, Neetu Jain, a senior consultant at the Pushpawati Singhania Hospital, said, “Well, I must say, we really do not have any test to diagnose long Covid.” We diagnose utilizing symptoms exhibited by the clinomial and phaneropses of everyday living.
This reliance on the subjective information entails massive problems for standardizing the diagnosis, as well as treatment key points. They stay more hours on admission The diagnosis they get have symptoms which were not previously claimed in the patient’s history and again this complicates the treatment. Being a previously recognized fact by the medical community that diseases like asthma and neurological disorders have been on the rise; there is the need for more extensive studies on the matter.
Ongoing Research Efforts
Understanding this, the research groups in India are trying actively to better focus on the long Covid. For example, a team of Shiv Nadar University scientists has worked out a fluorescent probe, envisioned to identify inflammation of the brain cells associated with Covid infection. This novel technology detects nitric oxide in microglial cells; it could be used to examine the neurological symptoms of post-acute sequelae of Sars-CoV-2 infection.
Currently, researchers and doctors in India are still studying long Covid, and Dr. Rajesh Sagar, a Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS, emphasises this fact. “Honestly, I believe that it is too early to say that we know the condition sufficiently well,” he said, underlining the need for advanced research of the biological mechanisms behind the long Covid symptoms.
The Path Forward
Given the rising awareness about long Covid among India’s medical fraternity, what is needed is more literature that examines the phenomenon in its multifaceted forms. The knowledge of Sleep disorders, Bio markers, and treatment approaches will improve the quality of care of patients. To enhance awareness and management of long Covid in India, medical centre, research centre, and other related health organizations must need collaboration.
Conclusion
Long Covid presents a complex challenge for healthcare providers in India, requiring concerted efforts to enhance diagnostic frameworks and treatment options. As research progresses, there is hope for more effective strategies to manage the lingering effects of Covid-19, ultimately improving the quality of life for countless individuals affected by this condition. By prioritizing long Covid research, India can take significant steps toward addressing the needs of its patients in a post-pandemic world.
