Long-term consequences of COVID-19: This is how Germany suffers from Long COVID!

Long-term consequences of COVID-19: This is how Germany suffers from Long COVID!

The health impacts of COVID-19 are widespread and, in many cases, long-lasting. Long COVID in particular represents a significant challenge, not only for those affected, but also for medical research and the healthcare system. The Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg reports on current developments in research on Long and Post-COVID. Long-term impairments after a SARS-CoV-2 infection can occur during the acute illness or manifest themselves weeks after the infection.

Long COVID includes a variety of physical, cognitive and psychological symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. The most common complaints include persistent exhaustion, breathing problems, sleep disorders and neurological impairments. These symptoms can not only make daily life more difficult for those affected, but can also prevent them from being reintegrated into the workforce. Loud the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the mechanisms behind Long COVID are currently poorly understood, which makes diagnosis and treatment complex.

Research needs and current projects

A comprehensive research effort is necessary to better understand Long COVID. The term “post-COVID state” is used when symptoms persist for at least 12 weeks after the acute infection and cannot be attributed to other causes. The BMBF supports numerous research projects that deal with the study of Long COVID and the associated symptoms. In May 2021, a funding call was launched with up to 6.5 million euros until 2024.

The estimates show that around 10% of those infected with COVID-19 struggle with long-term effects. Differences in study results are often due to inconsistent disease definitions. Researchers are testing, among other things, drug therapies and exercise programs to specifically help those affected. In September 2024, a new follow-up project on epidemiological data will be started that will deal with the public health effects of Long COVID in Germany.

Special features for children and young people

A particular focus of current research is on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in children and adolescents. The reliable findings here are still limited. Projects like LongCOCid are intended to develop treatment pathways specifically for this age group. The RKI has integrated Long COVID questions into ongoing studies since mid-2021 to collect comprehensive data and monitor the health of the population.

In summary, despite advances in research to combat Long COVID, there is still significant need for action. Close collaboration between basic, clinical and epidemiological research is particularly important. This is the only way to develop preventive measures and effective treatment approaches that offer those affected lasting support.