The World Health Organization evaluated data from 53 European countries. Criterion: Disease in 2020 or 2021 and complaint lasting at least three months.
According to an analysis carried out for the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 17 million people in Europe were affected by prolonged symptoms of COVID in the first two years of the pandemic. For the calculation of the model, the University of Washington evaluated cases in 53 European countries, as announced by the WHO office in Europe on Tuesday. The criterion was the duration of symptoms of at least three months in the years 2020 and/or 2021.
The study suggests that women are twice as likely to develop Covid Longo than men, the WHO said. In addition, the risk of Covid increases dramatically after a severe corona infection, the treatment of which required hospitalization. As per the model’s calculation, one in three affected women and one in five affected men struggle with symptoms of Long Covid after such a severe course.
“Urgently needs more analysis”
“We still have a lot to learn about Long Covid,” Copenhagen-based WHO Europe region director Hans Kluge said during 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 suffered from debilitating symptoms in the months following a corona infection. “They cannot continue to suffer in silence. Governments and health partners must work together to find solutions based on research and evidence.”
According to the study, about 145 million people worldwide were affected by Covid symptoms in the first two years of the pandemic.
(APA/dpa)