Featured image of post South African scientist thinks she may have solved the mystery of long COVID-19, which afflicts 100 million people

South African scientist thinks she may have solved the mystery of long COVID-19, which afflicts 100 million people

A recent study by Resia Pretorius and her team at Stellenbosch University in South Africa suggests that long COVID may be triggered by microclots.

A recent study by Resia Pretorius and her team at Stellenbosch University in South Africa suggests that long COVID may be triggered by microclots.

Summary

  • A scientist in South Africa believes she and her colleagues have found a critical clue in solving the mystery of long COVID: microclots.
  • “Widespread hypoxia may be central to the numerous reported debilitating symptoms” of long COVID, Pretorius writes.
  • As many as 100 million people globally have or have had long COVID, according to a study by researchers at the University of Michigan in November.
  • A patient is diagnosed with long COVID when the effects of a COVID-19 infection persist for more than four weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  • Symptoms of long COVID vary between cases, but primarily include fatigue, brain fog, muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, sleep difficulties, and depression or anxiety.