The world today has learned to live with the pandemic. Those who suffered with this unpredictable illness feel a great achievement just to have survived it . But now more and more people are coming up with lingering symptoms for weeks or months after they begin to recover.
Those who become ill with milder forms of COVID-19 are expected to recover in around 2 weeks. But an increasing number of people say they experience symptoms months after the initial illness is supposed to have worn off. This phenomenon, dubbed “long COVID,” has puzzled scientists and left those affected feeling drained and unsupported.Experts have coined a new term for it: post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Recent research suggests that more than 40% of people who have or had COVID-19 get long COVID. Among people who needed hospitalization, the stats go up to 57%.
After compiling research data scientists think that vabout 10% of people between ages 18 to 49 who have COVID-19 get long COVID. The odds go up to 22% for the 70 plus. But it can happen to anyone, whether you’re otherwise healthy or have other health conditions. You can get it even if your earlier COVID-19 symptoms were mild or moderate.
Long COVID appears to affect each person in different ways. You might notice a wide range of symptoms that could linger for a long time. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Loss of smell and taste
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
You might also have:
- Sleep issues
- Anxiety
- Gut problems
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Depression
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
In rare cases, long COVID can affect the body organs in following ways:
- Inflammation of your heart muscle
- Lung-related issues
- Kidney problems
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
- A hard time with concentration and memory
If you have any of these, tell your doctor about it right away.
Treatment of Long COVID
Long COVID symptoms can last weeks or months. Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for people with long-haul symptoms.
Some of the lifestyle changes that might help ease long COVID symptoms are:
- Take lots of small breaks throughout the day. Figure out your peak energy hours and plan how
- you want to use that time. Don’t overdo it. Break up tasks into small chunks.
- Exercise when you can. Start light and build the intensity. You can start with walks and slowly
- add weights to help build strength. Exercise also releases endorphins that can lift your mood.
- To ease muscle or joint pain, try low-intensity flexibility exercises like yoga, light stretches, and
- strength exercises. Stair-climbing and resistance bands can help improve strength.
- Try to stick to a daily routine. This will help with memory and mood issues.
- If you’re having trouble remembering things, write them down or put them in your phone, in a
- diary, or on a calendar.
- Try to curb distractions when you work, or keep a to-do list. This can help improve your focus.
- Reach out to friends and family when you need support and help.
Before you start any exercise or diet routine, check with your doctor or a specialist like a nutritionist or physical therapist.
