Vaccination May Reduce Risk of Long-Haul COVID-19
A study by Oxford University and the National Institute for Health Research in the United Kingdom has found that 37% of those who have recovered from COVID-19 still experience at least one side effect three to six months later.
A study by Oxford University and the National Institute for Health Research in the United Kingdom has found that 37% of those who have recovered from COVID-19 still experience at least one side effect three to six months later. The most commonly reported side effects were respiratory issues, malaise, pain, anxiety, headache, stomachache and depression. The research, which included more than 270,000 subjects, indicates that individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 were more likely to experience long-haul effects.
While the authors did not suggest any detailed causes of long-COVID symptoms, their severity, or how long they could last, they note that long-haul symptoms were slightly more common in women. They also report that older adults and men had more breathing difficulties and cognitive problems, whereas young people and women had more headaches, abdominal symptoms, and anxiety or depression.
In related research, a large-scale investigation of more than 1 million participants shows the risk of long-haul COVID-19 is drastically reduced among individuals who are fully vaccinated. The British study, published in Lancet Infectious Diseases, suggests that COVID-19 vaccine booster shots should be administered first to those at greatest risk of serious illness, as opposed to only considering age.
From Decisions in Dentistry. February 2022;8(2):7.
