L is for Long Covid

Given the number of reports about young and previously relatively fit people, developing 'Long Covid', I am relieved that the NHS is to study this phenomenon ( https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/15/damage-to-multiple-organs-recorded-in-long-covid-cases). It is estimated that more than 60,000 people, in the UK, experience fatigue, 'brain fog', breathelessness and pain after 'recovering' from a Covid-19 infection. The Coverscan study will involve 40 Long-Covid specialist clinics, where professionals will assess the physical and psychological symptoms of 500 'low risk' patients. Preliminary studies on the first 200 patients (average age 44) suggest that, 4 months after their initial illness, circa 70% have damage to one or more organs, commonly including the heart, lungs, liver and pancreas. The impairments were generally mild but, in around 25% of patients, 2 or more organs were affected. Often, the site of organ impairment, reflects the symptoms that the patient displays (e.g. heart and lung impairment is linked to breathlessness). Scientists would like to know if the organ impairments improve with time or whether any sub-group gets worse. It is good that Long Covid is finally being taken seriously. It's a good reason for young, fit people to wait for a vaccine rather than seeking to become infected (and to 'get it over with').