Long Covid victim discusses daily impact of virus
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Researchers have found by using CCM that small losses of corneal nerve fibre and increases of dendritic cells help to identify long Covid. So, what does that all mean? Well, CCM stands for cerebral cavernous malformation and is a collection of small blood vessels in the central nervous system and is commonly used to diagnose various diseases.
Using these blood vessels, the study of 40 patients revealed a strong correlation between those who experienced long Covid and corneal nerve damage.
Going into detail – neurological symptoms appeared at weeks four and 12 out of a 22 week study for 55 percent of patients and a further 43 percent of patients in later weeks.
Expert Angie Wen, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology, cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery at New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai said: “COVID has affected so many parts of the body, it’s no surprise that it affects the eye.”
She went on to explain that this study provides more of an understanding for people who have experienced unexplained pain in the nervous system- for example in the spinal cord, brain, hands and feet.
Guidance for UK health workers describes long Covid as symptoms that have been persistent for more than 12 weeks after infection.
These symptoms can be severe or mild- but they cannot be explained by any other cause.
Currently the NHS includes these symptoms as indicators you are suffering from long Covid:
- Extreme tiredness
- Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain or tightness
- Problems with memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
- Changes to taste and smell
- Joint pain.
Yet surveys have identified tens of thousands of other complaints and side effects.
A study by University College London (UCL) identified a whopping 200 symptoms which affect 10 organ systems which are more likely to affect those suffering with long Covid in comparison to those that have fully recovered.
Bizarre symptoms such as hallucinations, changing to vision and sight, bladder problems and skin conditions.
And now, with the results of this latest study, changes to your cornea may be another for the list.
The cornea of the eye acts as a barrier against dirt, germs and particles which could potentially harm the eye’s delicate components.
Indications that you have done some damage to this delicate area include redness, sensitivity to light or involuntary weeping.
Permanent damage to the cornea can only be remedied through surgery.
If you are suffering with damage to your cornea it is advised to seek medical advice.
Recent research has revealed that 2 million people may have had long Covid in the UK.
The study conducted by REACT-2 is based on self-reported data from over 500,000 adults between the ages of 18.
The research also suggests that long Covid symptoms increase three and a half percent with each decade of age.
Sadly, there is still no cure for long Covid sufferers.
However, it is recommended that keeping active and having a balanced healthy diet is the perfect combination to feel better.
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