Long COVID is more than fatigue. Our new study suggests its impact is similar to a stroke or Parkinson’s

Long COVID affects about 6% of people with COVID, with more than 200 symptoms recorded. For some, it lasts a few months. For “long haulers” it stretches into years. The size of the problem is hard to measure, because symptoms vary from person to person. This has led to debate about what long COVID really is, what causes it, and even whether it’s real. But mounting evidence shows long COVID is very real and serious. Studies confirm it reduces quality of life to levels seen in illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.