Long Covid victim discusses daily impact of virus
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The data review, constituting 15 UK and international studies suggests that people who had been given two doses of either Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines and one does of Janssen were half as likely to develop long Covid than those who had received one dose or were unvaccinated.
Furthermore, the data showed that vaccine effectiveness against long Covid was highest in adults over the age of 60 but was lowest in individuals aged between 19 and 35.
Four of the 15 studies analysed effects of vaccination on those already exhibiting long Covid symptoms.
These studies suggested that patients with COVID-19 reported improved symptoms of COVID after vaccination.
Three of the studies looked at unvaccinated people who had long Covid and compared them with those who went on to get the vaccination.
Data here suggested that the vaccinated were less likely to report symptoms of long Covid after vaccination than those who chose to remain unvaccinated.
Overall patients who reported long Covid symptoms and were vaccinated were more likely to report their symptoms improving than those who had not been vaccinated.
The data contained within these 15 studies not only shows how vaccination can improve long Covid symptoms but also that it confers a high degree of protection against the symptoms developing.
There was no published data on the long-term impact of a third dose due to how recently many in the country have had it administered.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency), said: “These studies add to the potential benefits of receiving a full course of the COVID-19 vaccination.
“For most people symptoms of long Covid are short-lived and resolve overtime. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms particularly for longer than 4 weeks after infection, you should consider contacting your GP.”
While vaccines reduce the risk of a person developing long Covid there are still many thousands in the UK who are experiencing symptoms that have lasted not just for days and weeks, but for months and years.
Meanwhile scientists are trying to help those experiencing long Covid by developing treatments to try and alleviate the symptoms.
One recently launched study involves a common household drug.
Researchers in the United States are trying to establish if antihistamines, drugs commonly used to relieve the symptoms of allergies, could be used to relieve the symptoms of long Covid.
The study was launched after two patients started taking them and found their symptoms improved.
While the experience of two individuals is not enough to prove antihistamines, it is not the first time antihistamines have shown to have an impact on long Covid.
A study published last year found that participants who took antihistamines reported an improvement in symptoms.
The study concluded that more randomised control trials should be conducted to further investigate the relationship, one that could open a new avenue of scientific research that could lead to a treatment for a condition that has meant some people have been unable to return to work.
For more information on long Covid symptoms and treatment contact the NHS or book a consultation with your GP.
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