A study conducted by researchers at University College London and the University of Exeter has revealed that fatigue, a primary symptom of long COVID, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, comparable to severe illnesses such as advanced cancer and kidney disease. Published in BMJ Open, this research analyzed the experiences of over 3,750 long COVID patients using a digital app for NHS treatment, focusing on daily activities, fatigue levels, depression, anxiety, breathlessness, and overall quality of life.
Findings indicated that health-related quality of life scores for long COVID patients were lower than those of advanced-stage cancer patients. The study also found that long COVID affects daily activities more negatively than stroke and has effects similar to those experienced by Parkinson’s disease patients. With many patients unable to work, particularly among working-age women, the condition poses significant economic and social ramifications. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for better resources and targeted clinical care, particularly in managing fatigue, to support those suffering from long COVID. The results highlight the necessity of understanding this “invisible condition” and adapting healthcare systems accordingly to address patients’ needs effectively.
