Researchers are urging Scots to take part in a study which could identify the people who are most likely to suffer long term effects after having Covid-19.
Using NHS health data records, all Scottish adults who have had Covid as well as a sample of people who tested negative for the disease, are being sent an SMS message inviting them to take part a study led by the University of Glasgow.
It aims to find out how many people recover quickly or experience a more prolonged illness. Scientists say the results will help improve the care of those with 'Long Covid' and could also lead to better systems to detect problems at an earlier stage.
So far, there has been a 16% uptake (91,041 participants) but the researchers are keen to hear from more people as the study continues.
Individuals are asked to use the specially designed app to answer questions about their health, both before and after Covid-19 and whether the virus has had any lasting effects on their lives.
Researchers will also be following up with participants who have already submitted a first response.
Professor Jill Pell, Professor of Public Health at the University of Glasgow who will lead the study, said: “Most people recover quickly and completely after infection with Covid-19, but some people have reported a wide variety of long-term problems.
"It is crucial that we find out how many people have long-term problems, and what those problems are, so that we can set up systems to spot problems early and deal with them effectively.
"We hope people receiving new and ongoing invitations to take part will do so, as we continue our study to gather evidence on the effects of long COVID.”
The study also involves Public Health Scotland and the NHS in Scotland and is being funded by the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office.
Estimates of the number of people suffering with 'Long Covid' vary. So far, research studies indicate that the most common persistent symptoms include breathlessness and fatigue, although people have reported a number of other on-going health concerns. It is also thought that some people might initially recover but their symptoms recur later.
Dr Andrew McAuley, Consultant Scientist at Public Health Scotland, said: “This study is unique in that it will look at all COVID-19 positive cases irrespective of their initial symptoms, or whether they required any medical care during their illness.
“Answering some simple questions about your experience of Covid-19 can help shape Scotland’s response to long COVID.”
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