According to an analysis commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Europe alone, at least 17 million people suffered from long-term Covid symptoms in the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the study, an estimated 145 million people were affected worldwide.
For the model calculation, the University of Washington had evaluated cases in 53 European countries, the WHO Europe office announced on Tuesday. The criterion was a symptom duration of at least three months in the years 2020 and/or 2021.
Women are affected twice as often
The study suggests that women are twice as likely to develop Lung Covid as men, according to the WHO. In addition, the long-term Covid risk increases dramatically after a serious corona infection, the treatment of which required hospitalization. According to the model calculation, one in three affected women and one in five affected men struggle with lung Covid symptoms after such a severe course.
“We still have a lot to learn about Long Covid,” said the director of the Copenhagen-based WHO Europe region, Hans Kluge, at a WHO meeting in Tel Aviv. “But these data make it clear that we urgently need more analysis, more investment, more support and more solidarity with those affected.”
Millions of people would suffer from debilitating complaints in the months after a corona infection, Kluge continues. “You must not continue to suffer in silence. Governments and health partners must work together to find research and evidence-based solutions.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
