Clinical management
Prognostic factors for persistent fatigue after COVID-19
A prospective cohort study investigated prognostic factors for persistent fatigue after mild COVID-19 infection during the first wave of the pandemic.
Low educational level, absence of a partner, high neuroticism, low resilience, high frequency of GP contact and threatening experiences in the past were prognostic factors for persistent fatigue.
When a patient presents with fatigue after COVID-19 infection and meets some of the prognostic criteria, GPs should be aware of the increased risk of fatigue becoming persistent and consider this when advising on management.
WiseGP Actions:
Do you have support available for patients experiencing persistent fatigue? Is this something that your PCN occupational therapy team could help with? Have a look at our Wise General Practice Story, OTs and Chronic Pain Support for inspiration (https://www.wisegp.co.uk/chronic-pain-support)!
Read more about the research informing this GEM here: https://bjgp.org/content/73/730/e340
Antivirals in high-risk patients with COVID-19
A trial aimed to establish the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of molnupirvair, an oral antiviral, for SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated patients in the community at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.
Molnupiravir did not reduce the frequency of COVID-19-associated hospitalisations or death among high-risk vaccinated adults in the community.
WiseGP Actions
Being a research active practice open to participating in similar trials could help improve the evidence base to combat future public health emergencies.
o What research is your practice involved in, across your PCN, regionally or nationally? If you’re not research-active, is this something you could consider?
o Could a discussion of research within general practice form a useful foundation for a GP tutorial discussion?
Read more here:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)02597-1/fulltext
