this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2023
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Something I never seem to hear explained: What IS long COVID. Is it damage to lungs, is it a change in the behavior of the immune system, is it something that happens in the cells? Where in the body is it hiding? Is this something we just don't know yet?
I think it's still unknown? This article talks about how even the definition and symptoms of long covid are still being debated!
Anything that persists long term after an infection is long COVID. It's the same concept for other viral infections.
Sure, but what is that? Neural damage? Inflammation? Lingering viral load? Weakened immune system? Immune system over excitability?
We don't know. That's the only good answer.
Neurological damage seems to be a strong contender for the bulk of long COVID symptoms though.
My friend has neural symptoms and gastrological symptoms, also they're very tired, much more than before Covid.
Largely, yeah, we just don't know. In research terms, it's still quite early, so anything definitive is likely years away. However, research is starting to indicate it may be neurological - a product of damage to the brain and nervous system, as this article discusses.
I did hear something on the radio (which is probably the least appealing source but I'm sure you can find others) suggesting it was inflammation of a part of the brain and similar to chronic fatigue
https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/102079376 this was the show
I found this good video by Trace Dominguez. He gives a good overview and also mentions a bunch of new studies that are being done https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpjGLLbWZJ0