What is long COVID?
Long COVID is a term that describes the
condition of people who experience persistent or recurring symptoms of COVID-19
for more than four weeks after the initial infection. Long COVID can affect
anyone who has had COVID-19, regardless of their age, health status, or
severity of the illness. Before we go any further, lest have a look at the symptoms of Covid – 19.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Some people may have no symptoms at all, while
others may develop more severe or life-threatening complications, such as
pneumonia, blood clots, organ failure, or death. The risk of severe illness
increases with age and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart
disease, lung disease, obesity, or cancer.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. You should also isolate yourself from others and follow the public health guidelines in your area. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistent fever, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Now let’s have a look at the symptoms of Long COVID
Symptoms of Long COVID
If you have had COVID-19, you might be
wondering if you are fully recovered or if you have long COVID. Long COVID is a
term that describes the ongoing health problems that some people experience
after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. These problems can
last for weeks, months, or even years.
Some of the common symptoms of long COVID are:
- Loss of smell or taste
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Digestive symptoms
- Sleep disorder
- Joint or muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Changes in sexual desire or capacity
- Thirst
Causes and mechanisms of long COVID
Long COVID can be caused by the different variants of the virus. The exact causes and mechanisms of long COVID are still unknown, but some possible factors include:
- Ongoing inflammation or damage to the organs or tissues affected by the virus
- An overactive or dysregulated immune response that continues to attack healthy cells
- A persistent viral infection that remains in some parts of the body
- Lasting damage to organs and blood vessels
- Problems with blood clotting
- Neurological dysfunction
- Persistent virus or a reactivation of latent viruses
- A psychological or emotional impact of having a serious or prolonged illness
Diagnosis of long COVID
There is no specific test that determines if
your symptoms or condition is due to COVID-19. Diagnosis of long COVID is based
on suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection, symptoms and by excluding
alternative diagnoses.
Treatment of long COVID
As of December 2023, there are no established
disease-modifying treatments for long COVID. Management of long COVID depends
on symptoms. Rest is recommended for fatigue and pacing for post-exertional
malaise. People with severe symptoms or those who were in intensive care may
require care from a team of specialists
Recovery from long COVID
Most people with symptoms at four weeks
recover by 12 weeks. Recovery for those still ill at 12 weeks is slower or
plateaus.
Building resilience
Long COVID can have a significant impact on
the quality of life and well-being of those who suffer from it. It can
interfere with their ability to work, study, socialize, and perform daily
activities. It can also cause emotional distress, isolation, and stigma.
However, there are some strategies that can
help people cope with long COVID and improve their resilience. These include:
- Seeking medical advice and support from a health care provider who can monitor their condition, prescribe appropriate treatments, and refer them to specialists if needed
- Following a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco
- Engaging in gentle physical activity that suits their level of energy and tolerance, such as walking, stretching, yoga, or tai chi
- Practicing relaxation techniques that can reduce stress and anxiety, such as breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation
- Seeking emotional support from family, friends, online communities, or professional counselors who can offer empathy, validation, and guidance
- Finding meaning and purpose in their life by setting realistic goals, pursuing hobbies or interests, volunteering for a cause, or joining a support group
- Being patient and compassionate with themselves and acknowledging their progress and achievements
Prevention of long COVID
Long COVID can affect anyone who has had COVID-19, even if they had mild or no symptoms at the time of infection. It is not clear why some people develop long COVID and others do not, or how long it will last. The best way to prevent long COVID is to avoid getting COVID-19 in the first place by getting vaccinated and following public health measures.
If you think you have long COVID, talk to your
healthcare provider. They can help you manage your symptoms and rule out other
possible causes. You can also find support and resources from organizations
such as the Long Covid Alliance and the Long Covid Support Group.
Long COVID is a challenging condition that
requires ongoing care and attention. However, by following these strategies,
people can enhance their resilience and cope better with the physical and
mental effects of long COVID.
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