London:&nbsp;Fatigue and headache were the most common symptoms reported by people an average of over four months after recovering from COVID-19, according to a study.The research, recently published in the journal Brain, Behavior, &amp; Immunity - Health, found that muscle aches, cough, changes in smell and taste, fever, chills and nasal congestion were next in the long line of lingering symptoms.The findings support the growing evidence that there are chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms following COVID-19 infections, the researchers said."There are a lot of symptoms that we did not know early on in the pandemic what to make of them, but now it is clear there is a long COVID syndrome and that a lot of people are affected," said Elizabeth Rutkowski, a neurologist at Augusta University in Georgia and the study's corresponding author. The preliminary findings involved 200 patients, who were recruited on average about 125 days after testing positive for COVID-19.Eighty per cent of the participants reported neuropsychiatric symptoms with fatigue, the most common symptom, reported by 68.5 per cent, and headache close behind at 66.5 per cent.Just over half reported changes in smell (54.5 per cent) and taste (54 per cent) and nearly half the participants (47 per cent) met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment, the researchers said.As many as 30 per cent people demonstrated impaired vocabulary and 32 per cent had impaired working memory, they said.Around 21 per cent participants in the study reported confusion, while hypertension was the most common medical condition in addition to bout with COVID-19, according to the researchers.No participants reported having a stroke, weakness or inability to control muscles involved with speaking, and coordination problems were some of the less frequently reported symptoms, they said.Twenty-five per cent met the criteria for depression, and diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea and a history of depression were associated with those who met the criteria. Anemia and a history of depression were associated with the 18 per cent who met the objective criteria for anxiety.While the findings to date are not surprising and are consistent with what other researchers are finding, Rutkowski said the fact that symptoms reported by participants often did not match what objective testing indicated, was surprising.For example, the majority of participants reported taste and smell changes, but objective testing of both these senses did not always line up with what they reported. A higher percentage of those who did not report the changes actually had evidence of impaired function based on objective measures, the researchers said.While the reasons are not certain, part of the discrepancy may be a change in the quality of the participant's taste and smell rather than pure impaired ability, the researchers said.Either way, the data suggests a persistent loss of taste and smell following&nbsp;COVID-19, they added.&nbsp;—PTI

Fatigue and headache were the most common symptoms reported by people an average of over four months after recovering from COVID-19, according to a study.

Fatigue, Headache Among Most Common Symptoms Of Long Covid: Study

Augusta (Georgia): An average of more than four months after having COVID-19, participants most frequently reported experiencing fatigue and headaches, according to researchers.The subsequent symptoms in the long list of persistent symptoms included muscle aches, coughing, changes in taste and smell, fever, chills, and nasal congestion.The Medical College of Georgia researchers reports their findings in the journal 'Science Direct'. "Our results confirm the emerging evidence that there are chronic neuropsychiatric effects following COVID-19 infections," they write."There are many symptoms that we did not know what to make of early in the epidemic," says Dr Elizabeth Rutkowski, an MCG neurologist and the study's corresponding author. "But now it's evident there is a lengthy COVID condition and that a lot of people are afflicted."The 200 patients in the first visit of the CONGA, or COVID-19 Neurological and Molecular Prospective Cohort Study in Georgia, were recruited on average about 125 days after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. The published study presents preliminary findings from the first visit of these patients.Aiming to enrol 500 people over a five-year period, CONGA was developed at MCG early in the pandemic in 2020 to investigate the severity and prognosis of neurological issues.Eighty per cent of the initial 200 individuals reported neurological symptoms, with fatigue leading the way at 80.5 per cent, followed closely by a headache at 68.5 per cent. A little more than half of the participants (54.5%) and tasters (54%) reported changes, and 47% of them met the standards for mild cognitive impairment, with 30% showing poor vocabulary and 32% having impaired working memory.In addition to their experience with COVID-19, 21% of individuals also reported disorientation, and hypertension was the most prevalent medical condition.Although no participants reported having had a stroke, coordination issues, muscle weakness, or an inability to regulate speaking muscles, these were some of the less often reported symptoms.Twenty-five per cent of the participants fit the criteria for depression, and those who did were more likely to have diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, and a history of depression. The 18% who fulfilled the objective criteria for anxiety had anaemia and a history of depression.Although the results to date are not shocking and are in line with what other researchers are discovering, according to Rutkowski, it was interesting that participant symptoms frequently did not match what objective testing revealed. Additionally, it was reciprocal.The majority of subjects, for instance, claimed changes in taste and smell, but results of empirical tests of these senses did not always support their claims. According to objective measurements, a higher percentage of people who did not report the changes actually showed signs of reduced function, the researchers wrote. Although the causes are unclear, according to Rutkowski, part of the discrepancy may be due to a change in the quality of their taste and smell rather than a true impairment.Although the results to date are not shocking and are in line with what other researchers are discovering, according to Rutkowski, it was interesting that participant symptoms frequently did not match what objective testing revealed. Additionally, it was reciprocal.The majority of subjects, for instance, claimed changes in taste and smell, but the results of empirical tests of these senses did not always support their claims. According to objective measurements, a higher percentage of people who did not report the changes actually showed signs of reduced function, the researchers wrote. Although the causes are unclear, according to Rutkowski, part of the discrepancy may be due to a change in the quality of their taste and smell rather than a true impairment.Conversely, they claim that cognitive testing may overstate disability in underprivileged populations.35.5 per cent of the initial enrollees were men, with the majority being women. Nearly 40% of them were Black, they were on average 44.6 years old, and 7% had COVID-19-related hospitalizations. The researchers claim that black participants were often disproportionately impacted.23.4 per cent of white individuals and 75% of Black participants satisfied the standards for moderate cognitive impairment. The results most likely show that various ethnic groups are evaluated differently using cognitive testing. Additionally, Black people may be disproportionately affected by socioeconomic, psychological (problems like familial troubles, depression, and sexual abuse), and physical health variables, the researchers wrote. They note that it may also imply that cognitive testing may overstate clinical impairment in underprivileged people.After COVID-19, Black and Hispanic people are twice as likely to require hospitalisation, and ethnic and racial minorities are more likely to reside in locations with higher infection rates. They are also more prone to experience COVID's heightened effects due to genetics, just as they are more likely to develop hypertension and heart disease earlier in life and with more severity.In order to better understand how COVID-19's elevated risk and impacts affect Black people, who make up around 33% of the state's population, is one of CONGA's main goals.It's possible that elevated levels of inflammation, the body's normal response to an infection, are one reason why weariness seems to be such a significant concern among those who had COVID-19. For instance, blood tests performed at the initial consultation and again at the follow-up visit revealed that some people's inflammatory markers were high and stayed up.According to these and other findings, some symptoms like weariness are exacerbated by prolonged inflammation even when the virus-specific antibodies may be waning. She points out that weariness is a common symptom among people who have autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are characterised by high levels of inflammation.They experience physical exhaustion, which makes them feel out of breath, and when they go to do the dishes, they experience palpitations. They then have to sit down right away because their muscles feel as if they have just run a mile or more, according to Rutkowski.Because patients also have brain fog and complain that it aches to think and read even a single email, she surmises that there may possibly be some neurologic tiredness present. Even mild to moderate illness has been demonstrated in certain studies to cause a reduction in brain volume.Some healthcare facilities have set up long COVID clinics were doctors with expertise in the variety of issues they are experiencing assemble to treat each patient. This is because of these multisystem, continuing challenges.Participants in the CONGA who reported more symptoms and issues were more likely to struggle with sadness and anxiety.These issues, moderate cognitive impairment, and even decreased language may also be a result of the prolonged isolation that COVID-19 caused for many people, according to Rutkowski.The activities that most people enjoy doing--such as hanging out with their friends--are not what you are doing, claims Rutkowski. "On top of that, you might be coping with health issues, the loss of friends and relatives, and your employment."Participants in CONGA self-report their symptoms and respond to inquiries about their general health, including whether they smoked, drank alcohol, exercised, and had any known medical issues. But they also get a thorough neurological examination that checks things like motor control, reflexes, and mental condition. Additionally, they complete validated exams to measure cognitive performance, with results adjusted for age. They also take thorough tests at home where they are asked to recognise smells and test their ability to taste different flavours, including sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and brothy. Additionally, blood analysis is performed to search for oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, which are signs of an ongoing infection.Neuropsychiatric symptoms are seen during the acute stage of infection, but the researchers note that it's important to accurately characterise how symptoms change over time.In especially for some people, symptoms do continue to bother them. Even those previously high-functioning people who typically worked 80 hours a week and exercised every day would only be able to function for about an hour a day and spend the rest of the day in bed, according to Rutkowski.The investigators are looking for explanations for why and how, and although Rutkowski claims she is unable to do so just yet, she can assure them that they are not alone or "crazy."According to Rutkowski, one of the best things someone can do going ahead is to continue practising infection avoidance, which includes getting vaccinated or boosted to help protect your brain and body against protracted COVID symptoms and assist in helping protect others from infection. There is evidence to suggest that the likelihood of persistent issues increases with the number of infections.As a result of the study's anticipated high participation rate of those with ongoing issues, Rutkowski warns that its results may be slightly skewed toward high percentages of persistent symptoms.SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus that has been linked to upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold in humans for many years, is expected to have infected people for the first time in late 2019.Since COVID-19 began, experience and research have shown that immediate neurological effects can include loss of taste and smell, brain infections, headaches, and, less frequently, seizures, stroke, and nerve damage or death. The researchers note that there is growing evidence that conditions including loss of taste and smell, as well as cognitive fog, excessive exhaustion, melancholy, anxiety, and sleeplessness, can become chronic. These and other persistent symptoms are now referred to as "long Covid." —ANI

An average of more than four months after having COVID-19, participants most frequently reported experiencing fatigue and headaches, according to researchers.

Study: Fatigue, Headache Most Common Lasting Symptoms Months After COVID-19

Las Vegas: Citizen has launched new CZ Smartwatch which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and space agency NASA research to measure wearers' fatigue and alertness at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023.
The power of the new watch resides in the CZ Smart YouQ application, which allows users to understand and predict their own fatigue patterns as well as receive recommendations on how to improve them for a healthier, more alert and rested lifestyle, reports ZDNET.
The application also allows users to take a customised 'Alert Monitor' test daily to determine their awareness.
The test itself is a consumer version of NASA's Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test (PVT+), which gauges astronauts' mental acuity.
"The latest CZ Smartwatch is a game-changing product that brings Citizen's legacy of watchmaking together with best-in-class research and technology of NASA and IBM, directly to wearers' wrists," said Jeffrey Cohen, president, Citizen Watch America.
The more wearers use the watch, the more CZ Smart YouQ will learn about them and will give more accurate predictions and tips.
"The CZ Smart PQ watch will be available in the US, beginning March 2023 and starting at $350," the report said. —IANS

 Citizen has launched new CZ Smartwatch which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and space agency NASA research to measure wearers' fatigue and alertness at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023.

Citizen's New Watch Uses NASA Tech, AI To Measure Fatigue

London: People with post-viral fatigue after suffering from Covid-19 can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy, resulting in less fatigue and concentration problems, suggests a study. After a Covid infection, a substantial number of patients report persisting symptoms. This is often known as long-Covid or Post-Covid Syndrome and the most common symptom is severe and debilitating fatigue. The study, led by a team from University Medical Center (UMC) Amsterdam and Radboud in the Netherlands found that after behavioural therapy, Covid patients not only had less symptoms but also functioned better both physically and socially. The improvements persisted even after six months, said lead researcher, Hans Knoop, Professor of Medical Psychology at Amsterdam UMC. The findings are published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. In the study, patients who received cognitive behavioural therapy were compared with patients who received care as usual. Normal care often consisted of supervision by their general practitioner or specialist, physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with persistent fatigue after Covid-19 focused on reducing fatigue by dealing with the symptoms differently. "Together with patients, we looked, for example, at how they can improve their sleep-wake rhythm. We also helped them become more active again with small, safe steps. For example, by going for short walks," Knoop said. Cognitive behavioural therapy showed clear results for these patients. Most participants experienced significantly less fatigue and improved concentration after treatment. They also made significant progress socially and physically. The results also proved to be stable over time. After six months, the differences, compared with those received regular care, were still present. "Cognitive behavioural therapy also appears to be a safe treatment. Our research shows that the symptoms did not worsen, and new symptoms arose less often," Knoop noted. The researchers emphasise that the fact that behavioural therapy can help does not mean that the cause of the symptoms is psychological. Furthermore, not everyone benefits from behavioural therapy. It is therefore very important to continue to search for other effective treatments and the physical causes of the post-Covid syndrome, the team said. —IANS

People with post-viral fatigue after suffering from Covid-19 can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Can Improve Fatigue After Covid-19: Study

New Delhi: Researchers have examined a man in Germany who claims to have received 217 vaccinations against Covid-19 and found that his immune system was fully functional.
Until now, it has been unclear what effects hypervaccination such as this would have on the immune system. Some scientists were of the opinion that immune cells would become less effective after becoming used to the antigens.  However, the case study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal found that the immune system of the person is fully functional.  More than 60 million people in Germany have been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, a majority of them several times, the researchers said.  The man examined by a team at Friedrich–Alexander University Erlangen–Nurnberg (FAU) in Germany claims to have received 217 vaccinations for private reasons. There is official confirmation for 134 of these vaccinations, they said.  "We learned about his case via newspaper articles," said Kilian Schober from FAU.  "We then contacted him and invited him to undergo various tests in Erlangen (a city in Germany). He was very interested in doing so," he said.  Vaccinations contain parts of the pathogen or a type of construction plan that the vaccinated person's cells can use to produce these pathogenic components themselves.  Thanks to these antigens, the immune system learns to recognise the real pathogen in the event of a later infection. It can then react more rapidly and forcibly.  The researchers wanted to analyse what happens if the body's immune system is exposed extremely often to a specific antigen.  "That may be the case in a chronic infection such as HIV or hepatitis B, that has regular flare-ups," explained Schober.  "There is an indication that certain types of immune cells, known as T-cells, then become fatigued, leading to them releasing fewer pro-inflammatory messenger substances," he added.  This and other effects triggered by the cells becoming used to the antigens can weaken the immune system, which is then no longer able to combat the pathogen so effectively.  However, the study does not deliver any indication that this is the case, the researchers said.  "We were also able to take blood samples ourselves when the man received a further vaccination during the study at his own insistence. We were able to use these samples to determine exactly how the immune system reacts to the vaccination," Schober said.  The results showed that the individual has large numbers of T-effector cells against SARS-CoV-2. These act as the body's own soldiers that fight against the virus, the researchers said.  The person even had more of these compared to the control group of people who had received three vaccinations, they said.  The researchers did not perceive any fatigue in these effector cells. They were similarly effective as those in the control group who had received the normal number of vaccinations.  They also explored memory T cells -- cells at a preliminary stage, similar to stem cells, that can replenish numbers of suitable effector cells.  "The number of memory cells was just as high in our test case as in the control group," explained Katharina Kocher, one of the leading authors of the study.  "Overall, we did not find any indication for a weaker immune response, rather the contrary," Kocher added.
—PTI

Research reveals no adverse effects on the immune system in a man with 217 Covid-19 vaccinations, offering insights into immune response and vaccine safety.

Immune system of man who received over 200 Covid-19 vaccinations fully functional: Lancet study

New Delhi: Aviation watchdog DGCA on Friday imposed a fine of Rs 80 lakh on Air India for violations of norms related to flight duty time limitations and fatigue management system of flight crew.
The decision came after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a spot audit of Air India in January, during which evidence was collected and fleet-wise random reports were analysed.  "The analysis of reports and evidence revealed that Air India Limited operated flight(s) with both flight crew aged above 60 years flying together in a few instances.
"... the operator was also found deficient in providing adequate weekly rest, adequate rest before &amp; after ultra-long range flights and adequate rest on layover to the flight crew, which violates the extant provisions of the Civil Aviation Requirements pertaining to FDTL," the regulator said in a release.  Further, the DGCA said there were instances of exceeding duty periods, wrongly marked training records and overlapping duties.  On March 1, the regulator issued a show cause notice to Air India with respect to the violations.
—PTI

DGCA imposes an Rs 80 lakh penalty on Air India for breaching flight duty and fatigue management regulations, spotlighting the need for stringent adherence to aviation safety norms.

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Fatigue, Headache Among Most Common Symptoms Of Long Covid: Study

Pankaj Sharma

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Fatigue, Headache Among Most Common Symptoms Of Long Covid: Study

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DGCA slaps Rs 80 lakh fine on Air India