Long COVID

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected millions worldwide. While most people recover from the infection, some experience symptoms that last for weeks or months after the initial infection. This condition is ong COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

Signs and Symptoms

Long COVID can affect different people in different ways. Some common symptoms reported by people with long COVID include:

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Brain fog

Muscle or joint pain

Chest pain or tightness

Loss of taste or smell

Headaches

Sleep problems

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Digestive issues

Depression or anxiety

Some people may also experience more severe symptoms, such as blood clots, lung damage, or heart problems.

Treatment

Currently, there is no specific treatment for long COVID, but doctors may recommend the following to manage symptoms:

Rest and pacing activities

Medications for pain or inflammation

Pulmonary rehabilitation for breathing problems

Counseling or therapy for mental health issues

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of Long COVID, please consult your healthcare provider(s) for other treatment options to meet your specific needs.

Risk Factors For Developing Long Covid

The World Health Organization states that anyone who gets COVID-19 can develop long COVID. Research suggests that approximately 10–20% of COVID-19 infections cause patients to develop prolonged symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 conditions. Current evidence doesn’t allow us to know who is more likely to be affected confidently. However, certain problems (for example, breathlessness) seem more common amongst those with more severe initial COVID-19, and more common in women. Protection from long COVID means protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 infection in the first place.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with preexisting conditions take extra precautions (see below) to avoid getting infected with COVID-19.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that people with preexisting conditions continue to manage their conditions and follow the advice of their healthcare providers. They should also get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.

Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that people who experience symptoms of long COVID should seek medical attention. They should also inform their healthcare providers about their preexisting conditions to ensure that they receive appropriate care.

Multiple COVID-19 infections appear to be another risk factor for developing long Covid, based on a study of over 5 million US Department of Veteran Affairs records. Compared with those infected once, patients who are reinfected are more prone to complications in various organ systems and more likely to be diagnosed with long COVID, regardless of vaccination status.

Also, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who had experienced severe COVID-19 symptoms were more likely to experience long COVID.

A CDC study done in June 2022, estimated that as many as 20 million American adults—1 out of 13 people over age 18—have lingering COVID-19 symptoms that impact their lives months after infection. As the only way to avoid developing Long COVID is to avoid becoming infected or re-infected with COVID-19, please consider the following precautions.

Resources

There are several reliable sources where you can find the best information on long COVID. Some of these sources include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides information on long COVID, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. They also provide resources for healthcare professionals and patients.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH provides information on long COVID, including ongoing research studies and clinical trials. They also provide resources for healthcare professionals and patients.

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Johns Hopkins provides information on long COVID, including symptoms, treatment options, and resources for patients and healthcare professionals.

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO provides information on long COVID, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. They also provide resources for healthcare professionals and patients.

Long COVID Alliance: The Long COVID Alliance is a patient-led advocacy organization that provides resources and support for people with long COVID. They also promote research and education on long COVID.

It is essential to seek information from reliable sources regarding long COVID. Always check the credibility of the source before relying on the information provided.

Studies:

Scientists are still learning about long COVID and its effects on the body. Some studies have suggested that long COVID may be more common in people with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

One study from the University of Washington found that people with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic lung disease had a higher risk of long COVID. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who had experienced severe COVID-19 symptoms were more likely to experience long COVID.

Risk Factors For Developing Long Covid: Information for People with High-Risk and Preexisting Conditions:

People with preexisting conditions may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 and more likely to experience long COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with preexisting conditions take extra precautions to avoid getting infected with COVID-19.