Study: More than half of those who had COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms

Leading research at Penn State University found that more than half of those who get COVID-19 will experience lingering symptoms.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to the lingering symptoms by two names: Long COVID or post-COVID conditions, in which they say span a wide range of ongoing health problems.Though despite a growing number of people coping with long COVID, not much is known about why symptoms persist after the virus passes.“Nail polish, coffee, fresh-cut grass — they all have a similar rotten smell,” Jill Ramos said.Ramos had COVID-19 last September, despite following state and county masking guidance. Since then, the smell of fresh-cut grass is now more of a sewer smell to her.Ramos has had distorted smell and taste since a week after her initial COVID-19 symptom onset.The CDC sites a wide variety of long COVID symptoms including: Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily lifeSymptoms that get worse after physical or mental effortFever Difficulty breathing or shortness of breathCoughChest painFast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations) Difficulty thinking or concentratingHeadacheSleep problemsDizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)Pins-and-needles feelingsChange in smell or tasteDepression or anxiety DiarrheaStomach pain Joint or muscle painRashChanges in menstrual cyclesPenn State researchers state long COVID lasts typically up to six months after the initial COVID virus onset, but the CDC said it can last weeks, months or even years. The CDC says most patients’ symptoms slowly improve. However, for some, experiencing long COVID symptoms may result in disability.