COVID-19 Scan for Feb 17, 2022

Study: COVID-19 vaccination protective against developing long COVIDA new review of 15 studies analyzed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows COVID-19 vaccination is protective against developing symptoms of long COVID, or symptoms lasting longer than 4 weeks after the initial infection.The UKHSA said approximately 2% of people in the United Kingdom with COVID-19 have gone on to develop long COVID, with the most common symptoms being lingering fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle and joint pain.In a new rapid evidence review, the agency says eight studies show strong evidence that people who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are half as likely to develop long COVID.

Another four studies demonstrate evidence that people who are vaccinated after receiving a long COVID diagnosis see their symptoms improve.Mary Ramsay, MD, the head of Immunization at UKHSA, said in a press release, "These studies add to the potential benefits of receiving a full course of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious symptoms when you get infected and may also help to reduce the longer-term impact."Feb 15 UKHSA rapid review Feb 15 UKHSA press releaseIn a related development, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) yesterday published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection new rapid guidelines for the assessment and treatment of patients with long COVID.ESCMID recommends that patients experiencing respiratory symptoms at 3 months post initial infection may benefit from routine blood tests, chest imaging, and pulmonary function tests. Feb 16 Clin Microbiol Infect paperNirmatrelvir-ritonavir cut risk of severe COVID by 89% in phase 2/3 trialA