COVID-19 Long-Term Effects
After battling Covid-19, some people still experience health issues, which is caused by Post-Covid consequences.This article discusses some symptoms and risk factors for the post-Covid-19 syndrome.
Most people who contract coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recover within a few weeks. But People who suffer even with mild Symptoms during the Course of disease, may experience long-term symptoms. Post-Covid-19 syndrome, post-Covid conditions, long Covid-19, long-haul Covid-19, and post-acute sequelae of SARS COV-2(PASC) infection are all terms used to describe these ongoing health issues.
What is a post-COVID-19 syndrome, and how prevalent is it?
A number of fresh, recurring, or persistent symptoms that appear four weeks or more after contracting the Covid-19 is known as Post-Covid-19 syndrome. For some people, the post-Covid-19 condition can be debilitating for months or even years.
Signs and symptoms of Post COVID-19 syndrome
The following are the list of most commonly reported symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome:
- Fatigue
- Symptoms that worsen after exerting physical or mental effort
- Fever
- Lung (respiratory) symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
Apart from the Above Mentioned Symptoms. Some of the Other Symptoms Include :
- Symptoms Related to Neurological and Mental health include difficulty in thinking or concentrating, headache, sleep problems, dizziness, prickling and tingling sensation, loss of smell or taste, and depression or anxiety are examples of neurological symptoms or mental health conditions.
- Muscle or joint pain
- Symptoms Related to the heart include chest pain or fast heartbeat.
- Symptoms Related to stomach includes Diarrhoea and stomach pain.
- Blood clots and blood vessel (vascular) problems.
- Changes in the menstrual cycle.
In some cases, it becomes difficult to tell whether your symptoms are caused by Covid-19 or any other underlying Conditions.
It's also unclear whether the post-COVID-19 syndrome is new and specific to COVID-19. Some of the signs and symptoms are similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome and other chronic illnesses that get developed as a result of infections. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition of feeling extreme fatigue that worsens with physical or mental activity but improves with rest.
Why does COVID-19 continue to cause health problems?
Organ damage could be a factor. People who had severe Covid-19 illness may have suffered organ damage affecting the heart, kidneys, skin, and brain. Inflammation and immune system issues are also possible. It's unclear how long these effects will last. The consequences could also result in the emergence of new conditions, such as diabetes or a heart or nervous system condition.
Another factor might be prior exposure to severe Covid-19. Intensive care units in hospitals are frequently needed to treat patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms. This can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health disease brought on by a scary event, and extreme exhaustion.
What factors contribute to the Post-COVID-19 syndrome?
You are more likely to develop post-COVID-19 syndrome if:
- Covid-19 caused severe illness, especially if you were hospitalised or required intensive care.
- You Have or Had an Underlying Chronic Medical Condition prior to contracting coronavirus.
- You had an organ and tissue disorder (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) while sick with Covid-19 or afterward.
- Adults appear to be more prone to post-Covid-19 syndrome than children and teenagers. Covid-19 can have long-term effects on anyone, including people who have no symptoms or mild illness.
What to do when having post-COVID-19 syndrome symptoms?
Consult your doctor when you are experiencing symptoms of the post-Covid-19 syndrome.
Your doctor might prescribe tests such as a complete blood count (CBP) or a liver function test. Based on your symptoms, you may be advised to take additional tests such as chest X-rays. Based on the symptoms in correlation with the tests advised your doctor will provide a treatment plan.
Sharing resources and collaborating with others in a support group may also be helpful.
Do not worry! post covid effects can be treated.
Contact us right away if you are experiencing post-Covid-19 health problems. At Medicover Hospitals, we have a dedicated Post-Covid Clinic to manage all your health issues.
