‘We think of the body as a map’: a new approach to deciphering long Covid

People with post-infectious diseases sometimes struggle to communicate the debilitating impact of their conditions. But a new technique can help them explain visually

Post-infectious diseases such as long Covid and ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) pose a puzzle to the medical establishment. Patients report debilitating symptoms such as extreme fatigue, shortness of breath or muscle pain, but often show normal results on routine medical checkups. And many sufferers do not look ill, leading some to question the severity of their disease. In the absence of diagnostic tools or an understanding of the pathophysiological processes, many sufferers find it difficult to share their experiences. They lack a verbal language that expresses the true impact of the illness.

Now, researchers from Oxford University are using the technique of “body mapping” to help patients better communicate the physical, cognitive and emotional dimensions of their illness to family, friends and health professionals.

Topics

'We have been waiting a long time' - Palestinians react to deal

Those in Gaza speak of their joy, but also describe sadness and worry as the territory rebuilds.
BBC News - 2d
What we know about L.A. fire evacuations, maps, causes and more

Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted Tuesday and roared across the Los Angeles area, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least five people.
NBC News - Jan. 9
Amateur hour: We need to fine-tune post-COVID changes in college sports

The transfer portal and names, images and likeness (or NIL) endorsement deals together have created a formula for disaster in college sports.
The Hill - Jan. 9
Paxlovid may help some long COVID patients: Research

A small study published Monday found that the COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid may have use as a treatment for long COVID when administered outside of an infection. Administration of Paxlovid ...
The Hill - Jan. 6
Paxlovid Improved Long Covid Symptoms in Some Patients, Researchers Report

But the report, on the experiences of 13 patients, found that the drug had no benefit for some people and that some who benefited said the improvement didn’t last.
The New York Times - Jan. 6
5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared

Five years after the virus that causes COVID emerged in China it still holds some mysteries
ABC News - Jan. 2
5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared

Five years after the virus that causes COVID emerged in China it still holds some mysteries
ABC News - Jan. 2

More from The Guardian

Israel-Gaza war live: Netanyahu says ‘if we must return to fighting, we will do that’, citing support from Biden and Trump

PM says US has promised Israel will have the weaponry it needs to return to military campaign if necessary. In an update on the previous post, the Israeli military said sirens sounded in central ...
The Guardian - 27m
Two judges shot dead in Iran’s supreme court building, state media say

Unnamed gunman killed Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh before shooting himself, Mezan reports. Two judges have been killed in a shooting on Saturday at the supreme court building in Tehran, ...
The Guardian - 2h
An American tragedy: how Biden paved the way for Trump’s White House return

To admirers, Biden will remain one of the most consequential one-term presidents in US history – to detractors, he was undone by a fatal flaw. His back straight, his voice steady, Joe Biden stood ...
The Guardian - 10h
Seventy killed in central Nigeria after fuel tanker flips over and explodes

Those who died had scrambled to take the fuel, which has rocketed in price amid an economic crisis. A fuel tanker exploded after flipping over in central Nigeria on Saturday, killing 70 people who ...
The Guardian - 4h
Yoon supporters storm Seoul court after his detainment period is extended

Protesters smash windows after officials cite concerns the impeached president could destroy evidence if released. A South Korean court has extended the detention of the impeached president Yoon ...
The Guardian - 2h

More in World

Russia Attacks Kyiv With Ballistic Missiles

At least three people were killed in the assault on the capital, and at least one died and 11 were wounded in a separate strike in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia.
The New York Times - 15m
Israel and Palestinians Prepare for Long-Sought Truce in Gaza

Qatar, which mediated the agreement, said the cease-fire deal was set to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday.
The New York Times - 16m
Israel-Gaza war live: Netanyahu says ‘if we must return to fighting, we will do that’, citing support from Biden and Trump

PM says US has promised Israel will have the weaponry it needs to return to military campaign if necessary. In an update on the previous post, the Israeli military said sirens sounded in central ...
The Guardian - 27m
USA’s Agyemang and Miljevic score on debut in friendly win over Venezuela

US beat Venezuela 3-1 in friendly at Fort Lauderdale Six Americans make debut before crowd of 18,008 Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic scored in their international debuts, Jack McGlynn got ...
The Guardian - 28m
Harlequins see off Glasgow to reach Champions Cup knockout stages

Harlequins 24-7 Glasgow Cunningham-South scores first of three Quins tries A Champions Cup of modest returns for the English was at least given a fillip by Quins. This reasonably comfortable win ...
The Guardian - 36m