Thread by @ahandvanish

It has been *amazing* to see so many patient researchers with #LongCOVID. Here's another paper from the UK with folks from @long_covid support group - huge congrats @Dr2NisreenAlwan, @ClaireHastie1, @Know_HG, @dgurdasani1, & team!

A few findings that stood out: 1/

https://twitter.com/Dr2NisreenAlwan/status/1375514325138305026

This is a big deal: adequate rest in the early weeks was protective against a more severe #LongCOVID category (measured by fatigue, ability to work, care for self, etc).

Also! Higher income was protective against ending up in this category as well. 2/

https://twitter.com/Dr2NisreenAlwan/status/1375514359162490880

Those are two factors that are crucial to talking about #LongCOVID recovery: people need adequate time to rest, and there are huge inequalities in who is able to and can afford to do that! 3/

This is the 6th study I've seen that compares negative & positive patients & finds no symptomatic difference (with the exception of loss of smell/taste, which likely means: having those symptoms during test shortages let you be able to get a test, so more likely to be PCR+). 4/

This is crucial because it has now been replicated in many different countries and patient populations. A negative PCR test does not mean you did not have COVID, testing was not available in many cases, and patients need treatment that is not based on testing. 5/

One key difference, though: people with PCR+ tests were more likely to have adequate rest in the acute stages of illness. "This could be due to them recognising the seriousness of a COVID-19 illness & dedicating more time and resources towards their recovery & recuperation" 6/

Again, this underscores the need for early recognition of #LongCOVID in patients, as early, adequate rest is important to not have prolonged symptoms. 7/

This paper finds a new common trigger for symptom relapses: sleep disturbances! 8/

Having a patient involvement statement is crucial to know how patients were involved! 💯

https://twitter.com/know_hg/status/1375767113684676609