Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a remarkable global effort to understand the virus and its far-reaching impacts. Yet, despite extensive research, much about COVID-19’s long-term effects remains shrouded in myth and misunderstanding. While the immediate impact of the virus was obvious, the lingering or long-term symptoms — often referred to as “long COVID” — have sparked confusion and concern. For many, the ongoing uncertainties surrounding these effects have led to the proliferation of myths that blur the line between facts and fiction. To ensure that we approach these health issues with the best possible knowledge, it’s important to separate myths from scientifically-backed truths.
Myth 1: Long COVID Only Affects Older People or Those with Pre-existing Conditions
One of the most persistent myths about long COVID is that it only affects older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. Early on in the pandemic, much of the focus was placed on vulnerable populations, and rightly so, as they were at higher risk of severe outcomes. However, as more research has emerged, it has become clear that long COVID can affect people of all ages, including those who had mild or even asymptomatic cases of the virus.
A study published in Nature Medicine revealed that young, previously healthy individuals can also experience long-term symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and chest pain. While the elderly and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are indeed at greater risk, the reality is that long COVID does not discriminate. Even young adults with no significant underlying health issues have reported long-lasting symptoms. This myth minimizes the wide-reaching potential of the virus, making it even more important for everyone, regardless of age, to take appropriate preventive measures.
Myth 2: Long COVID Symptoms Are Just in Your Head
Another pervasive myth is that long COVID symptoms are merely psychological or that individuals who experience them are simply imagining their illnesses. This myth has been especially damaging for those suffering from the lingering effects of COVID-19, leading to doubts about the legitimacy of their symptoms.
In truth, the symptoms of long COVID are very real and have been extensively documented in scientific literature. The Mayo Clinic and other medical institutions report that long COVID symptoms can involve a variety of physical ailments, such as severe fatigue, joint pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Moreover, research indicates that long COVID may involve changes to the brain’s structure, with patients reporting difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental fog, a condition often called “brain fog.”
The biological mechanisms behind these symptoms are still being studied, but there is mounting evidence that COVID-19 can cause lingering inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and even vascular damage that can contribute to long-term health issues. While stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate symptoms, this is not to say that long COVID is purely psychological. The symptoms are both physical and cognitive, and their persistence should not be dismissed.
Myth 3: You Only Get Long COVID If You Had Severe COVID
Another common misconception is that only those who experience severe illness from COVID-19 are at risk for long-term effects. This myth likely stems from the belief that people who experience mild or moderate symptoms recover quickly, leaving no room for lingering health problems. However, this is far from the truth.
Several studies have shown that even individuals with mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 can develop long-term symptoms. For example, a study conducted by the British Medical Journal found that around 10% of people who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases developed long COVID symptoms. In fact, a significant proportion of long COVID cases have been reported by people who did not experience severe illness initially, indicating that the virus has a much broader reach than initially thought. This reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring and care, even for those who had relatively mild infections.
Myth 4: Long COVID Is Just Like Any Other Post-Viral Syndrome
While it’s true that post-viral syndromes, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, have existed long before COVID-19, long COVID is not simply a rebranded version of these conditions. The virus itself seems to have unique properties that lead to an array of long-lasting and sometimes severe health issues. Researchers are now examining the precise mechanisms through which COVID-19 leads to long-term effects, and they are finding differences that make long COVID distinct from other post-viral conditions.
One of the key differences is that long COVID can affect multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory systems. Studies have shown that the virus can leave damage in its wake, even in individuals who didn’t experience severe initial symptoms. For instance, patients with long COVID may experience heart inflammation or difficulty with lung function. Additionally, the virus has been found to affect the brain, causing cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. These diverse symptoms point to a multifaceted nature of long COVID, which is far more complex than previously understood.
Myth 5: The Effects of Long COVID Are Permanent
It is easy to assume that the long-term effects of COVID-19 are permanent, given how challenging and mysterious the condition can be. However, this is not necessarily the case. While long COVID can indeed cause persistent issues, there is significant evidence to suggest that many individuals recover over time. Some may experience gradual improvement as the body works through the lingering effects of the virus, while others may find that their symptoms become more manageable.
The recovery process can vary greatly from person to person. According to a study published in The Lancet, some patients with long COVID began to show significant improvement within a few months, while others experienced symptoms that persisted for more than a year. Treatments aimed at managing specific symptoms, such as physical therapy for muscle weakness or cognitive rehabilitation for brain fog, are being developed to help individuals regain function and quality of life.
It’s important to emphasize that, like any other illness, recovery from long COVID is not always linear. There can be ups and downs, and in some cases, relapses may occur. However, the idea that the symptoms are inevitably permanent is not supported by scientific evidence, and more research is needed to fully understand the recovery timeline.
Myth 6: Vaccines Don’t Help With Long COVID
With the rollout of vaccines, many believed that the risk of long COVID would diminish. Unfortunately, misinformation has circulated suggesting that vaccines do not help prevent long COVID. While no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing long COVID, evidence strongly indicates that vaccinated individuals are at a lower risk of developing long-term symptoms.
The UK Office for National Statistics released data showing that individuals who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to experience long COVID than those who remained unvaccinated. Vaccines work by reducing the severity of the illness, which in turn minimizes the risk of complications, including long COVID. Studies have shown that people who are vaccinated and do develop COVID-19 are more likely to experience mild symptoms and recover more quickly, reducing the chance of long-term effects.
Conclusion: The Importance of Knowledge and Vigilance
As with any new medical condition, myths about COVID-19’s long-term effects have flourished in the absence of complete understanding. However, separating fact from fiction is crucial for public health and individual well-being. The reality is that long COVID is a complex and multifaceted condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or severity of their initial infection. While recovery is possible, it is essential for those affected to seek appropriate medical care and support.
In the face of these myths, continued research and clear communication will be key to ensuring that those impacted by long COVID receive the treatment and understanding they deserve. Through accurate information, we can continue to combat misinformation and give those affected by long COVID the support they need to regain their health and quality of life.
