Long COVID
Long COVID is a chronic illness that occurs after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and lasts at least three months. It encompasses a variety of symptoms or conditions that may improve, worsen, or persist over time. After recovering from COVID-19, regardless of its severity, patients often notice that symptoms can remain for several months.
This condition is referred to as post-COVID syndrome, long COVID syndrome, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).
Currently, there is no single universal name for it. Generally, long COVID syndrome is described as a chronic condition that arises after a COVID-19 viral infection and persists for more than three months.
What are the common persistent COVID symptoms?
Research has identified over 200 symptoms associated with long COVID. Symptoms may remain the same, worsen, or disappear and return over time.
COVID-19 can affect the functioning of many organs, including the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, and liver. As a result, long COVID is associated with various symptoms, including respiratory, neurological, cardiac, and psychological issues.
The most common long COVID symptoms include:
- Severe fatigue, especially after activity (Post-exertional malaise – PEM)
- Memory problems often referred to as “brain fog”
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Issues with taste or smell
Other long COVID symptoms:
- Sleep problems
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Headaches
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Digestive issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
Some people with long COVID may also suffer from other conditions. Diseases caused or aggravated by long COVID include migraines, lung diseases, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney diseases.
Diseases that may be diagnosed due to long COVID include:
- Heart disease
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Stroke or blood clots
- Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Hyperlipidemia
Individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus may experience long COVID symptoms even if they never had symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, persistent COVID symptoms can manifest weeks or months after a person appears to have recovered.
Why does COVID-19 cause ongoing health problems?
Current research has shown that long COVID is a chronic condition caused by the virus that leads to COVID-19. The medical term for this is an infection-related chronic condition.
Researchers do not precisely know how COVID-19 causes long-term illnesses, but they have some theories, including:
- The virus disrupts the immune system’s response, leading to an autoimmune reaction.
- COVID-19 reactivates viruses that have not been cleared from the body.
- The coronavirus infection disrupts the gut ecosystem.
- The virus may persist in the gut and spread from there.
- It affects cells lining the blood vessels.
- It damages brain stem functions or the vagus nerve that controls automatic body functions.
- It harms the autonomic nervous system, leading to signs of autonomic dysfunction (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, etc.).
As the virus continues to evolve, researchers cannot specify how many people have been affected by long COVID syndrome. Some scientists estimate that between 10% and 50% of individuals who contracted COVID-19 experience long COVID.
What are the risk factors for long COVID?
The risk factors for long COVID are still being studied. Generally, most studies indicate that long COVID is more frequently diagnosed in women of any age compared to men. The risk may also be higher in those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions before contracting COVID-19.
Some studies suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine may help prevent long COVID.
Many other factors could increase or decrease the risk of long COVID, but research is ongoing.
What to do if COVID symptoms persist?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience long-term COVID symptoms.
Currently, no test can definitively diagnose long COVID. Some people may have mild symptoms and do not get tested for COVID-19 or may have contracted the virus before routine tests were available.
Long COVID symptoms may fluctuate or remain constant, and they can begin anytime after a COVID-19 infection. However, symptoms must be documented for at least three months for a healthcare provider to diagnose long COVID.
If you are experiencing long COVID symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider. It may be helpful to have medical records ready if you are starting treatment at a new medical facility.
To prepare for your appointment, note:
- When symptoms began and whether they come and go
- What worsens your symptoms
- How symptoms affect your daily activities
- Any questions you have about your illness
- A list of medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter pain relievers
Some people find it helpful to bring a trusted person to take notes during the appointment.
List any medications and everything you take, including supplements and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Keep a summary of visits and notes in one place. This can help you track what actions need to be taken or what you have already tried to treat your symptoms.
How long can COVID symptoms last?
Conditions related to long COVID can improve over months or may persist for several years.
What treatments are available for long COVID?
Healthcare professionals treat long COVID based on symptoms. For fatigue, your healthcare provider may recommend staying active only as long as symptoms remain stable. If you start to feel worse, it’s important to rest.
For symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or “brain fog,” consult your healthcare provider to find a suitable treatment plan. This may include over-the-counter pain medications, prescription drugs, supplements, and referrals to other healthcare team members.
For individuals with POTS or rapid heartbeat, healthcare providers may suggest prescription medications and a hydration maintenance plan.
For fatigue, patients may be taught strategies for pacing, planning, prioritizing, and positional awareness. They may also be advised to engage in activities they can manage based on their fatigue level. Over time, patients can gradually increase their activity and/or intensity. However, if symptoms worsen with increased activity levels, the patient should reduce their activity to a tolerable level.
Other persistent COVID symptoms may also be treatable, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.
Long COVID is a serious health condition that should not be ignored.
Occupational therapy may help with long COVID symptoms.
References
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/long-covid-post-covid-conditions-pcc
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The information published on this page is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose diseases/dysfunctions or make decisions about specific treatment, but should be done only in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.