Health experts have raised alarm bells over the concerning rise of prolonged cold symptoms with potential links to Covid-19.
The convergence of reduced exposure to common viruses and increased indoor socialising during the damp onset of winter may be contributing to what experts have dubbed “never-ending” colds.
Professor Jeremy Brown from University College London (UCL) told The Independent, that there’s been a “bounce-back with the frequency of infection with some respiratory viruses, although it’s always hard to be sure, as their incidence varies year to year anyway.”
Brown emphasised the challenge of obtaining clear data on the duration of infectious symptoms, highlighting the similarity between Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses.
Speaking to the outlet, Dr Alisha Esmail, a General Practitioner at London Gynaecology, suggested a possible explanation: “One theory about lingering cold symptoms is the ‘post-covid effect,’ in that we had less exposure to the classical winter viruses due to quarantining and isolating, and so we’re catching up now on rebuilding our immune responses.”
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Experts have pointed to external factors influencing the prolonged cold trend. Professor Ron Eccles, an emeritus biosciences professor at Cardiff University, noted that “the wet weather has kept us indoors and the damp has helped viruses survive better.”
He speculated that complaints about persistent colds may be linked to multiple infections or heightened stress levels during the festive season. He added: “There are complaints about never-ending colds, and this may be due to multiple infections, or us being more rundown and stressed at this time of year after festive excess.”
Regarding the reported “100-day cough,” Professor Brown clarified: “Hundred-day cough is classic whooping cough – it’s exactly as it says, a dry cough that goes on for three months, but not really with sore throat, runny nose, just a cough.”
Dr. Esmail shed light on the common cold viruses currently in circulation, including coronavirus, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza.
She advised: “As far as we know, there are no new or particularly virulent viruses at play this winter, but all have different subtypes and can easily mutate, hence the possibility of catching them multiple times and in different ways.”
Highlighting the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms, Dr. Esmail noted: “Resting, keeping well-hydrated and using over-the-counter treatments could shorten its stay, but if you’re still sniffling after three weeks, it’s time to take some action… Our individual immunity also has a huge number of factors – some within and some beyond our control.”
She underscored the potential impact of lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and high stress levels on prolonged illness and weakened immune systems, urging individuals with persistent symptoms to consult their GP for thorough evaluation and guidance.