Why coughs and colds seem to be taking hold currently - and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why coughs and colds seem to be taking hold currently - and what you can do to protect yourself.

'She held me so tight, like she knew that was the last time I would ever feel or hear her voice again.'

'She held me so tight, like she knew that was the last time I would ever feel or hear her voice again.'

POLICE are investigating the “unexplained” deaths of two women found dead inside a house. Emergency crews were scrambled to the home in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Wednesday afternoon. Tr…

POLICE are investigating the “unexplained” deaths of two women found dead inside a house. Emergency crews were scrambled to the home in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Wednesday afternoon. Tr…

Why coughs and colds seem to be taking hold currently - and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why coughs and colds seem to be taking hold currently - and what you can do to protect yourself.

New research shows that even mild COVID-19 cases in young adults can lead to changes in brain structure and function.

New research shows that even mild COVID-19 cases in young adults can lead to changes in brain structure and function.

Background Neuropsychiatric symptoms emerged early in the COVID-19 pandemic as a key feature of the virus, with research confirming a range of neuropsychiatric manifestations linked to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the persistence of neurological symptoms in the post-acute and chronic phases remains unclear. This meta-analysis assesses the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19 in recovered patients, providing insights for mental health service planning. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and CENTRAL, up to March 22, 2024. Studies evaluating the prevalence of long-term neurological symptoms in COVID-19 survivors with at least six months of follow-up were included. Pooled prevalence estimates, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression were performed, and publication bias was assessed. Results The prevalence rates for the different symptoms were as follows: fatigue 43.3% (95% CI [36.1-50.9%]), memory disorders 27.8% (95% CI [20.1-37.1%]), cognitive impairment 27.1% (95% CI [20.4-34.9%]), sleep disorders 24.4% (95% CI [18.1-32.1%]), concentration impairment 23.8% (95% CI [17.2-31.9%]), headache 20.3% (95% CI [15-26.9%]), dizziness 16% (95% CI [9.5-25.7%]), stress 15.9% (95% CI [10.2-24%]), depression 14.0% (95% CI [10.1-19.2%]), anxiety 13.2% (95% CI [9.6-17.9%]), and migraine 13% (95% CI [2.2-49.8%]). Significant heterogeneity was observed across all symptoms. Meta-regression analysis showed higher stress, fatigue, and headache in females, and increased stress and concentration impairment with higher BMI. Conclusions Neurological symptoms are common and persistent in COVID-19 survivors. This meta-analysis highlights the significant burden these symptoms place on individuals, emphasizing the need for well-resourced multidisciplinary healthcare services to support post-COVID recovery. Registration and protocol This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42024576237.