What Is Long COVID And What Are Its Symptoms?

According to the British Heart Foundation (Ref.Link), long Covid is a term people use to describe when the symptoms of Covid-19 continue for weeks and months after the patient recovers from Covid. These symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, body aches, and brain fog. Long COVID can occur in individuals of all ages, including those who were previously healthy and had mild cases of COVID-19. 

The exact prevalence of long COVID is not known, as research on the topic is ongoing. However, some studies suggest that a significant proportion of individuals who have had COVID-19 may experience long-term symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labels this condition as various names, including long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC), long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID. According to the CDC, long COVID conditions may be more common in individuals who had severe infections with the virus, but even those who have had mild COVID-19 may experience long COVID conditions. The below diagram shows the survival function, probability of symptom severity over time, and average number of reported symptoms over time based on a research. 

Symptoms Of Long Covid That Are Hard To Explain or Manage

People who have ongoing symptoms after COVID-19 infection may have difficulty managing and explaining their symptoms. Even though routine medical tests such as blood tests, chest x-rays, and electrocardiograms may be normal, these individuals may still experience symptoms similar to those reported by people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and other chronic illnesses that can occur after certain types of infections. As a result, these patients may be misunderstood by their healthcare providers, and may take a long time to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

How To Prevent Long Covid? 

There are currently no specific recommendations for preventing long COVID. That being said, there are several steps that individuals can take to both reduce their risk of getting COVID-19 and to prevent the spread of the virus:

1. Get vaccinated: The COVID-19 vaccine is an effective way to prevent infection with the virus.
2. Follow public health guidelines: This includes wearing a mask in public, maintaining social distance, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding large gatherings.
3. Practice good hygiene: This includes washing your hands with soap and water frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
4. Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest information and recommendations from public health agencies and follow their guidance.

What Are The Treatment Options For Long Covid?

There is no specific treatment for long COVID-19. Treatment for long COVID is generally focused on managing symptoms and may include:

1. Medication: Medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms. Examples include pain relievers, sleep aids, and medication to treat anxiety or depression.
2. Lifestyle modifications: Making changes to your daily routine, such as getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle physical activity may help to manage long COVID symptoms.
3. Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation therapies may be recommended to help individuals with long COVID regain strength and function.
4. Supportive care: This may include counseling, support groups, and other types of social support to help individuals with long COVID cope with the emotional impact of the condition.

Few Tips On Managing Long Covid Symptoms 

Here are a few tips to help you manage long-COVID symptoms that you might be experiencing. 

1. Get enough rest: Getting enough sleep and allowing your body to rest helps manage long COVID symptoms.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help to manage symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
3. Engage in physical activity: Gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching, can help to improve your overall physical and mental well-being.
4. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, can help to boost your immune system and manage long COVID symptoms.
5. Practice stress management techniques: Long COVID can be a stressful experience, and managing stress can help to improve symptoms. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga may be helpful.

When To Seek Help?

Long covid can be dangerous and one must seek help if their breathlessness worsens, if there’s immense weakness, or if they experience changes in vision, hearing, or speech. Such symptoms shouldn’t be ignored by any means. It could take weeks or even months to recover, but one has to be patient and work on their mind and body to deal with the symptoms of long covid. It is important to note that the specific management strategies for long COVID will depend on the individual’s specific circumstances and symptoms. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to get a personalized treatment plan for long COVID.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic is slowly becoming a thing of the past, we must recognise that we do not know the exact manner in which it will impact us over time. Covid impacts a variety of bodily systems, and its effect on your cardiovascular system is imperative to understand. Using a smart heart monitor like the Frontier X2 allows you to keep track of a number of important heart health metrics, so that you can always stay heart healthy. Purchase the Frontier X2, and get ready for a healthier tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19:

What is the post COVID-19 condition?

The term “long COVID,” or “post-COVID-19 condition,” refers to the group of long-term symptoms that some people may experience after they have had COVID-19. These individuals may refer to themselves as “long-haulers.”

How long are you contagious with covid?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most individuals with COVID-19 are no longer contagious 10 days after the onset of symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals may continue to shed the virus for longer periods of time, and it is possible to transmit the virus to others even after the symptoms have resolved.

How long do covid antibodies last?

Studies have shown that individuals who recovered from COVID-19 had levels of antibodies in the blood that peaked at around 28 days after the onset of symptoms and then declined over time. However, it was also found that the levels of antibodies remained elevated for at least three months after the onset of symptoms, and it is not yet known how long they may persist beyond this time frame.

How long are you protected from Covid once vaccinated?

It is not yet known how long the protection from the COVID-19 vaccine will last. Some vaccines may provide protection for a longer period of time than others, and it is possible that booster doses may be needed to maintain protection. It should be understood that one can still contract Covid-19 once vaccinated.

How long does it take to recover from covid? 

In general, individuals with mild cases of COVID-19 may recover within a few weeks, while those with more severe cases may take longer to recover. Some individuals may continue to experience ongoing symptoms, known as long COVID or post-COVID conditions, even after their initial illness has resolved.

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