Diseases & Conditions Archive

Long COVID is the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial infection from SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) without any other explanation. An estimated 6% to 11% of adults who have had COVID have long COVID. Researchers continue to learn about how it affects people and its possible long-term risks. The best protection against long COVID is avoiding COVID infection by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in crowded areas.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects roughly equal numbers of women and men. But the condition imposes a disproportionate burden on women—shaping symptoms, affecting reproductive decisions, and increasing risks of ominous downstream health effects. IBD can ramp up symptoms during menstruation, cause painful sex, and raise risks for iron-deficiency anemia and osteoporosis. Plus, some drugs used for IBD may raise the risk for cervical cancer.

People with asthma should be aware of seemingly harmless substances, such as wood smoke and candle scents that could worsen symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. They should also get vaccinated against viral infections, see a specialist if necessary, keep watch for signs of a flare, and create a plan with their doctor to address flare-ups, which send millions of Americans to hospital emergency departments every year.