Scientists are learning more about the causes and risk factors for long COVID, though it’s still early to talk about the best treatment, studies show.
Why it matters: An estimated 10-15% of COVID-19 survivors have at least one “long COVID” symptom for more than three months—and for some, it could last a lifetime, Bio.News says.
What we’ve learned: Long COVID seems to be a post-infection syndrome impacting the immune system, similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), explains Long COVID Alliance Co-Founder Oved Amitay, who spoke during BIO’s webinar on the topic in February.
What are risk factors? Being unvaccinated, hospitalized with COVID-19, certain pre-existing conditions (like asthma and diabetes), and being female, older, a smoker, or having a high body mass, Nature reported recently.
Genetics also play a role:A new genome-wide study of long COVID found a DNA sequence near the FOXP4 gene that indicates proclivity to get long COVID.
How do we treat it? Science is zeroing in on an immune system link, but we don’t know enough yet to recommend specific therapeutic pathways, says a study published in Nature last week.
What’s next: BIO and BIO members are driving partnerships among the biotech industry to develop treatments, and research continues, Bio.News reports.
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