At least 65 million people worldwide are estimated to have long COVID — and the actual number is probably higher. A review of the state of knowledge about the condition estimates that 10% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 will experience long-lasting symptoms. “Diagnostic and treatment options are currently insufficient, and many clinical trials are urgently needed,” concludes the research. The finding should prompt a rethink of policies that allow COVID-19 to spread almost unchecked among people who are least vulnerable to severe disease, says infectious-disease researcher Brendan Crabb. “If you factor in long COVID, then we’re all vulnerable.”
