Long COVID has long been marginalized and described as merely psychological or imaginary symptoms, which has increased the suffering of patients and prevented them from receiving appropriate support and care.
But a groundbreaking scientific study led by researchers from Harvard University may change this reality. A paper published in the journal Nature Communications presented a new and detailed classification of long COVID cases, identifying eight distinct groups of patients based on their symptom patterns and how these patterns develop over time.
The research team tracked 3,700 adults who were first infected with the virus during the Omicron wave after December 2021, over a period of 15 months , to accurately map the different long COVID pathways; from cases with severe and persistent symptoms, to those that experienced gradual improvement or delayed onset of symptoms
, 69% of whom were female , with an average age of 49. They completed questionnaires about their symptoms every three months throughout the study period. Researchers used this data to divide the patients into eight groups:
Mild or no persistent symptoms : 1301 people, suffering from mild, sporadic symptoms.
Low persistent symptoms : 481 people, suffering from persistent mild symptoms.
Elevated intermittent symptoms : 443 people, whose symptoms fluctuate between mild and severe.
Severe persistent symptoms : 195 people, suffering from debilitating symptoms throughout the study period.
Moderately improving symptoms : Their symptoms improved over time.
Moderately worsening symptoms : Their symptoms worsened over time.
Lowered symptoms improved : Most symptoms improved after six months.
Delayed worsening symptoms : Their symptoms appeared or worsened approximately 15 months after infection.
fatigue, mental confusion, post-exercise exhaustion, cough, chest pain, heart palpitations, headache, sleep problems, dizziness, and joint pain . In some cases, the severity of the symptoms can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Lead researcher Dr. Thanayut Thavithai noted that this classification will help identify risk factors and biomarkers that may explain the difference in recovery time between patients, and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Dr. Bruce Levy , Chief of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, added : "This study addresses the urgent need to identify the different pathways of long COVID, and our findings will help guide clinical and public health resources for affected individuals, and enhance understanding of the biological basis of this condition."
