Long COVID: What Does It Mean By Post COVID-19 Condition?

Despite presumed "recovery" from COVID-19, patients still face a wide range of residual symptoms months after initial infection, which contributes towards poorer quality of life. According to a research, around 42% of the people affected by Covid-19 in Pakistan, complained about residual symptoms within 1 to 3 months of first getting COVID.

 

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID is a term to describe the effects of Covid-19 that continue for weeks or months beyond the initial illness. According to the WHO, the majority of persons who acquire COVID-19 recover completely, however current information suggests that 10%-20% of people endure a variety of mid- and long-term symptoms after recovering from their initial sickness. These intermediate and long-term consequences are referred to as the "post COVID-19 condition" or "long COVID." More study is being conducted to determine the best way to identify extended COVID, its symptoms, and how to treat it.

Symptoms Of Long COVID

“Brain fog” being the most common of the symptoms that many people are reporting, is referred to the inability to focus and concentrate during day to day life. Many do not realize that this could be one of the most dangerous long-term covid effects. People who have post-COVID symptoms frequently report:

Symptoms In General

• Tiredness or tiredness that disrupts everyday life
• Symptoms that worsen after exertion (sometimes known as "post-exertional malaise").
• Fever

Respiratory Symptoms 

• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest ache
• A racing or hammering heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological symptoms

• Difficulty thinking or focusing (sometimes known as "brain fog")
• Headache
• Sleep issues
• Standing up causes dizziness (lightheadedness)
• Feelings of pins-and-needles
• Changes in taste or smell
• Anxiety or depression

Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Diarrhea
• stomach ache

Other signs and symptoms

• Muscle or joint discomfort
• Rash
• Menstrual cycle changes

Unexplainable Symptoms

People suffering from post-COVID disorders may develop or continue to have symptoms that are difficult to explain and treat. Clinical examinations and basic blood test, x-ray, and ECG results may be normal. The symptoms are comparable to those reported by patients suffering with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and other poorly understood chronic diseases that can develop following various infections. People experiencing unexplained symptoms may be misinterpreted by their healthcare professionals, resulting in a lengthy wait for a diagnosis and proper care or treatment.

Who Gets Long COVID?

Anyone who falls unwell as a result of COVID-19 can acquire post-COVID-19 condition. There does not appear to be a link between the severity of the first COVID-19 infection and the chance of acquiring a post-COVID-19 disease. According to research, certain categories of people may be more impacted by post-COVID symptoms. These are only a few examples of persons or groups that may be more vulnerable to developing post-COVID problems than others:

• People who have had more severe COVID-19 sickness, particularly those who have been hospitalized or need intensive care.
• People who have underlying medical issues prior to COVID-19.
• People who did not receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
• People who develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) when unwell with COVID-19.

How To Tackle Long Covid?

If you suspect you have a post-COVID-19 problem, consult and seek treatment from your healthcare professional. They will assist you in determining whether this is the case, as well as providing you with the treatment you require to manage your symptoms.

There is currently no particular pharmacological treatment for those suffering from post COVID-19 syndrome. However, there is evidence that holistic treatment, including rehabilitation, can be beneficial. We are still learning why certain people get this syndrome, the mechanisms behind its development, and how to effectively manage it.

Managing Fatigue, Brain Fog, And Muscle and Joint Pain 

To manage the symptoms of Long COVID you can take following measures:

• Take many quick short breaks instead of few long ones.
• A good diet is important, take brain healthy food items.
• Do not over exert yourself, avoid tasks that make you breathe heavily.
• Exercise, the type of exercise that make you breathe fast but do not overdo it.
• Make notes, plan schedules beforehand.
• Be kind to yourself.
• Connect with people and participate in socializing.
• A good sleeping pattern and routine may help a lot

Tests Required In Post-COVID

The following tests are necessary if you feel like you are suffering from long COVID:

• Blood tests
• Heart rate and blood pressure evaluation
• a sit-to-stand test
• ECG
• Chest X-ray

 

Wear Masks, Follow SOPs and Get Vaccinated! 

The best way to protect yourself from post-COVID-19 syndrome is to do everything possible to avoid becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus. Getting vaccinated and following the many public health and social measures that can reduce your chances of becoming infected with and spreading the COVID-19 virus are examples of such measures. The best method to defend oneself against COVID-19 is to take a mix of steps, and as WHO frequently emphasizes, "Do it all!" These actions include:

• Maintain a distance of at least one metre between yourself and others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a well-fitting mask.
• Open the windows
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Clean your hands often.
• Get vaccinated as soon as it is your time.

 

Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre provides free vaccination and booster shots for covid-19, as well as diagnostic tests required in post-covid condition, book our test online now or visit our nearest branch. For more information call: 021-111-786-986.

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