Here’s What You Should Know About Post-COVID Conditions

The novel coronavirus changed our lives, and we still have some changes. Many people who have contracted the virus have fully recovered. However, others are affected by the virus’s mid- or long-term effects on their bodies. Post-COVID conditions include ongoing, new, or returning health issues people may experience for up to four weeks or longer after infection.

Some people who may not have had COVID-19 symptoms days or weeks after the virus may also experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions may include combinations or different health challenges over time.

People who have post-COVID conditions are called “long haulers.” Chronic COVID, post-COVID syndrome, post-acute COVID-19, or long COVID-19 are some terms that describe post-COVID conditions. People with severe medical conditions and older people are more susceptible to experiencing lasting COVID-19 symptoms. However, healthy and some young people may also feel unwell for several weeks or months after being infected.

Typical COVID-19 signs and symptoms that remain over time

Some persons may have different combinations of post-COVID symptoms. Also, these symptoms can manifest in anyone who has contracted the COVID-19 virus.

• Headache.
• Stomach or chest pain.
• Difficulty concentrating (brain fog).
• Sleep problems.
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Diarrhoea.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Fever.
• Dizziness or lightheaded sensation when standing.
• Rash.
• Cough.
• Heart palpitations.
• Loss of taste or smell.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Symptoms worsening after physical or mental activities.
• Changes in the menstrual cycle.

Are there any other symptoms?

COVID-19 can cause damage to the lungs and other organs like the kidneys, brain, and heart. Some people may develop long-lasting health effects like heart complications, stroke, chronic kidney impairment, and long-term breathing problems. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) may occur in adults and children who’ve had COVID-19, resulting in severe inflammation in some tissues and organs. The research on the impact of the virus is ongoing. Doctors are encouraged to monitor people who contracted the virus to ascertain how their organs function after recovery.

Can Post-COVID conditions be prevented?

The best way to prevent post-COVID symptoms is to avoid contracting the virus. Vaccination, wearing a properly fitted mask, maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who don’t live with you, testing to avoid spreading the virus, washing our hands regularly, and avoiding crowds or poorly ventilated spaces are some of the ways to slow the spread of COVID-19.

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Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic, WHO, NHS, & Hopkins Medicine.