Long-term respiratory illness is here to stay

Covid is not the only disease with a long version

Virus illustration.
The flu and common cold also have 'long' versions
(Image credit: urfinguss / Getty Images)

Have you felt like that winter cold just doesn't end? Well, you're not alone. Many who contracted Covid-19 have suffered from long Covid, when the symptoms endure an extended period and can have long-term effects. Now, scientists have found that the common cold and flu can also have "long" versions, which include symptoms becoming chronic. In addition, we are in the midst of a "tripledemic" with Covid-19, the flu and RSV all making the rounds. Experts posit that longer-term illness is here to stay and more people are likely to be affected in the future. 

What defines a long illness?

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.