Tejal Somvanshi
A simple blood test could now help identify which postmenopausal women might face more severe long COVID symptoms. New research shows that higher white blood cell counts signal a greater risk of lasting problems after COVID-19, especially brain fog and memory issues.
The study in Menopause magazine looked at blood samples from 1,237 women. What makes this research different? Scientists checked blood markers from 25 years before COVID-19 hit. This means inflammation in the body might affect how bad long COVID gets even before someone catches the virus.
“By understanding underlying factors, we can better address these challenges and work to mitigate the cascade of symptoms that follow,” says Dr. Monica Christmas from The Menopause Society. A higher white blood cell count (over 5,500 cells per microliter) was linked to more severe long COVID symptoms.
This matters most for women after menopause, who already deal with memory challenges. When long COVID joins in, daily tasks become harder. In fact, 7 out of 10 long COVID patients struggle with thinking clearly.
The good news? The white blood cell count test is widely available and relatively inexpensive at clinics. This information could help doctors identify patients who might need extra monitoring or support after COVID-19 infection.
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What makes this research important? It suggests that inflammation patterns present before COVID-19 infection might influence symptom severity later. While more research is needed, this knowledge could help healthcare providers better understand who might need additional care.
The research team at Rush University Medical Center, led by Ted K.S. Ng, PhD, proved something important: inflammation isn’t just a result of long COVID – it might set the stage for worse symptoms before infection happens. For millions still dealing with long COVID months later, this research provides valuable insights.
The study didn’t find any link between another inflammation signal (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and long COVID. This tells us the white blood cell connection deserves specific attention.
This research matters because it helps identify those who might experience more severe long COVID symptoms. While having a higher white blood cell count doesn’t guarantee severe symptoms, it provides helpful information for healthcare monitoring and support planning.
