No identifiable cure for Long Covid as sufferers endure memory loss and confusion

There is no definitive cure for long Covid with symptoms including fatigue and brain fog which could be long-lasting for some. 

The Health Information and Quality Authority has published its international review of the epidemiology of long Covid. HIQA carried out this review at the request of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to inform its long Covid model of care.

Long Covid is a complex condition involving a wide range of symptoms that can be debilitating and vary significantly from person to person.

The most common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, memory loss and or confusion, a loss of smell and shortness of breath. Although many people will experience an improvement in symptoms over time, for some long Covid can be long-lasting.

HIQA’s review included 51 primary research studies, which examined over 1.1 million participants, and four international registry documents. HIQA found that prevalence rates varied considerably across the studies. In studies based on self-reported data, estimates for the prevalence of long Covid in the general population ranged from 15% to 53%.

Much of this variation may be due to differences in reporting methods and population demographics within studies. While prevalence estimates were highest in those with a history of severe Covid-19 illness, long Covid was reported across all populations and age groups.

Long Covid can result in sustained, significant reductions in quality of life and functioning in some individuals and a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Resourcing of existing services, as well as ensuring the availability of multi-disciplinary long Covid services, would help provide appropriate care to those experiencing long Covid.  

Michelle O’Neill, Deputy Director of HTA, said: “There is still a lot to learn about long Covid, but we found that those with long Covid are more likely to be women, to be older, and to have been admitted to hospital because of Covid-19. It is not known why long Covid occurs. In those who have had Covid-19, some people may experience worsening of a pre-existing condition, while some experience new symptoms or conditions, or experience symptoms that continue long after the initial infection has ended”.

She continued: “Based on our knowledge of Covid-19 and long Covid, it is important to follow public health advice to minimise the risk of infection or reinfection. This includes supporting people to avail of the Covid-19 vaccine and to obtain their scheduled booster doses.”

No studies on the prevalence of long Covid in Ireland were identified. HIQA has advised that further research on long Covid in Ireland may better inform healthcare resourcing.