Sadly ‘long colds’ are now also a thing… and Covid could be to blame

A UK study has revealed that ‘long colds’, a phenomenon not entirely dissimilar to some cases of long Covid, can leave people experiencing symptoms for weeks after the initial infection.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London surveyed over 10,000 adult to assess ongoing symptoms after a respiratory virus.

The study, which began in 2021, asked people to report any respiratory illness and other symptoms they had in the first two months of 2021.

From the numbers surveyed, 1343 people said they had recently had a Covid infection.

Elsewhere, 472 people said they had been infected with flu or cold.

Compared with those who said they had no recent respiratory illness at all, those who said they had Covid or flu or a cold in the weeks before were more likely to experience certain symptoms in the month or so after.

While long Covid sufferers tended to have ongoing issues with smell or taste, brain fog, dizziness and sweating, those who had ‘long colds’ or ‘long flu’ reported symptoms such as: diarrhoea, stomach problems, muscular pain, sleep problems, memory problems, dizziness and a persistent cough.

Lead researcher Giulia Vivaldi, from Queen Mary University of London, said of the results: “Our findings shine a light not only on the impact of long Covid on people’s lives, but also other respiratory infections. A lack of awareness, or even the lack of a common term, prevents both reporting and diagnosis of these conditions.

“As research into long Covid continues, we need to take the opportunity to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections.

“These ‘long’ infections are so difficult to diagnose and treat, primarily because of a lack of diagnostic tests and there being so many possible symptoms. There have been more than 200 investigated for long Covid alone.”

The Office of National Statistics found that over two million people in the UK are suffering with long Covid – around 3% of the population.

Around 71% of those with long Covid said their symptoms had a negative impact on their day-to-day activities.

Post-viral fatigue is nothing new – however, the prevalence of long Covid and the impact it has had has prompted further studies.

It can affect people of all ages, and the severity of the initial cold is not necessarily an indicator of whether a ‘long cold’ can develop.

“A ‘long Cold’ is persistent viral illness with cold-like symptoms that last for an extended period, often beyond the typical 1-2 week duration,” Dr Dave Nichols, resident NHS GP at MyHealthChecked, tells Cosmopolitan UK.

“Factors like weakened immunity, exposure to the virus, and poor health habits increase the likelihood of getting a long cold.”

While post-viral fatigue may feel exhausting, small steps need to be taken in order to get back to full health – this includes slowly increasing activity, exercising carefully and maintaining a manageable routine.

“To treat long cold symptoms, rest, hydrate, and consider over-the-counter cold remedies,” Dr Nichols adds. “Home remedies like hot ginger tea with honey can help to improve symptoms like a sore throat or coughs.

“While long colds can be frustrating, they’re usually not a major concern. However, consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.”

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.