The so-called prolonged COVID already has a code in the International Classification of Diseases and has been designated as the Post COVID Syndrome, reported this Friday the leading epidemiologist of the World Health Organization.
María Van Kerkhove assured that the world is learning more and more about the syndrome, which seems to affect many different organ systems.
“It is not just a two-week respiratory illness, it seems to persist for months. We are working with many groups of patients and with many different researchers to really understand better what is happening. We have met with these patient groups and they have told us that what they need is the recognition that this is something real, ”he said during the Organization's bi-weekly conference.
Van Kerkhove explained that it is necessary to understand the scope of the syndrome in different populations and establish rehabilitation protocols.
“We are working with doctors to design and work better in the rehabilitation of people who suffer from this to make sure to give them the best possible care, so we have a lot to learn in this area ”, he stressed.
The expert also recalled that some individuals who have been infected can become infected again.
"This has been detected in several countries that have good laboratory systems that have been able to sequence the first infection and the second, and they can say that there is a difference in this virus," he explained.
Van Kerkhove said, however, it appears so far that the number of reinfections is not very high.
“We are working with countries to help them better define and differentiate what reinfection is and to help them see how often it occurs. It doesn't seem like it's happening very often, but we can't quantify that at the moment, ”he said.
Doctors in Ukraine checking the status of a COVID-19 patient.
The best is to take care
His colleague, emergency director Michael Ryan, said it is best to take care of yourself and avoid getting infected so you do not have to "worry about it in the future," and empathize with people who are suffering from Post COVID Syndrome.
“Most people have an infection that does not produce specific continuous effects, but there is a significant minority of people who are suffering long, long after a period of COVID and nOur hearts turn to them as this Christmas period approaches, because sometimes in life mortality and death are recognized and we all feel sorry for each other, but it is very difficult when you have the aftermath of a disease, "he said.
He added that many patients may be living a "very lonely" experience and suffer in silence while trying not to cough so as not to be rejected by the community.
“These people are going through a lot of psychological trauma, as well as having those lingering effects, so I think we should all be very nice to each other and particularly kind to those who have to fight very difficult infections and are concerned about long-term impacts. term, ”Ryan urged.
A digitally enlarged image of a patient specimen shows green cells heavily infected with the purple SARS-COV-2 virus particle.
Can't let your guard down at Christmas
To date, more than 66 million COVID-19 cases and 1,5 million deaths to the World Health Organization.
In the last six weeks, the number of weekly deaths has increased by about 60%. Most cases and deaths occur in Europe and America.
“The holiday season is a time to relax and celebrate, but we must not lower our guard. Celebration can quickly turn into mourning if we don't take proper precautions. As you prepare to celebrate the next few weeks, consider your plans carefully. If you live in an area with high transmission, take all precautions to keep yourself and others safe ”, recommended the director general of the WHO.
Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus stated that the best gift that humanity can give itself this December is "that of health, love of life, joy and hope."