Once you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, it can be hard to know what to do next. Part of the confusion around Long COVID-19 comes from the fact that we don’t know a lot about it; much of what we think we know is conjecture or guesswork at best. However, studies are ongoing, and new information about Long COVID-19 continues to emerge. Here are some basic facts about Long COVID-19 that help explain the condition further.
What is long COVID-19?
Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. Long COVID, also known as post-COVID symptoms, refers to a variety of new, returning, or ongoing health problems that patients may endure more than four weeks after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even persons who have no symptoms can have lengthy COVID, which can manifest as various types and combinations of health problems and can last for varying durations of time (CDC).
Common long-haul symptoms
People who have post-COVID symptoms frequently report:
Symptoms in general
Tiredness or tiredness that disrupts daily life
Symptoms that worsen after exertion (sometimes known as “post-exertional malaise”).
Fever
Symptoms of the lungs and heart
Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
Coughing and chest pain
a racing or hammering heart (also known as heart palpitations)
What causes Long Covid?
Long Covid is caused by many different factors. For example, it can be caused if you have been infected with a virus that has spread to your bone marrow or if you have cancer of your blood cells (leukemia). Long Covid can also be caused by certain medications like cancer chemotherapies (corticosteroids), drugs used to treat infections (like antibiotics), or certain pain medications. Having very low numbers of white blood cells in your blood (neutropenia) also increases your risk for developing Long Covid because there are fewer white blood cells available to fight infections. Being elderly also increases your risk for Long Covid, since most people develop low numbers of white blood cells as they age.
Preventing Long COVID
Generally, long CVID-19 can be prevented through routine healthcare. The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to protect yourself and others from becoming infected. For people who are eligible, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with vaccines against COVID-19 can help prevent COVID-19 infection and protect against severe illness. Additionally, research suggests that people who are vaccinated but experience a breakthrough infection are less likely to report post-COVID conditions, compared to people who are unvaccinated.
Living with Long COVID
Individuals with post-COVID issues may seek medical attention from a healthcare professional to develop a unique medical management strategy that can help them manage their symptoms and quality of life. Review the following advice to help you get ready for a visit with a doctor for post-COVID issues. Additionally, a lot of support groups are being formed that can benefit patients and the people who are caring for them.
Long-term consequences following COVID-19 do happen in children and adolescents, even though post-COVID problems seem to be less common in these age groups than in adults.
Conclusion
The CDC recommends seclusion from other people if you have COVID-19. Additionally, ensure that you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours without using any fever-reducing medications.
Here are some recommendations for preventing the transmission of viruses within your own home.
Put on a mask. In your own house, yes.
Avoid sharing. Bedding, towels, and dishes should all be kept to yourself.
Isolate. If at all feasible, make an effort to use a different bathroom and a different room.
Continue to clean. Wash your hands frequently (or use hand sanitizer) and frequently clean surfaces that are touched.
Be aware of your health. See your doctor if your symptoms worsen.