The signs and symptoms of Long COVID -

The pandemic may seem like a lifetime ago. However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, continues to circulate, mutate, and infect people. While most people have who contract the virus make a full recovery, for a growing number, a mysterious set of symptoms persists that can vary in severity. Long COVID is an umbrella term, rather than an illness, that describes this wide-ranging list of health issues, varying from person to person.

Intrigued? Click on to learn about the signs and symptoms of Long COVID.

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The enduring effect of the pandemic -

The pandemic might be a distant memory, but there's a silent reminder of it that remains: a condition known as Long COVID.

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The enduring effect of the pandemic -

People call Long COVID by many names, including post-COVID conditions, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID.

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Detection -

Detecting, diagnosing, and treating Long COVID is not straightforward. The condition affects people from all walks of life, but there is large variation in how it presents itself.

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A chronic condition -

The range of ongoing health problems arising from Long COVID can last weeks, months, or even years, depending on the person affected.

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The fallout of infection -

Those who experienced severe COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of developing Long COVID, but anyone infected with the virus can suffer from the condition.

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Higher risk -

Those who were infected with COVID-19 before they were vaccinated might be at a higher risk of developing Long COVID.

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Reinfection -

Reinfection with the virus can happen multiple times. Each time a person is reinfected, it increases their risk of developing Long COVID. 

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Persistent symptoms -

Most people who get infected with COVID-19 recover within a period of days and weeks. When symptoms of the virus persist four weeks later, Long COVID can first be identified.

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Testing -

There isn't a specific test that can determine whether or not the symptoms you're experiencing are Long COVID. The condition is not one illness.

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Symptoms -

People who suffer from the condition commonly report a sense of tiredness or fatigue that is overwhelming and interferes with daily life.

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Symptoms -

A worsening of this symptom after physical or mental exertion—"post-exertional malaise"—and a fever might also be present.

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Heart and respiratory symptoms -

Sufferers might experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, as well as a cough, chest pain, and heart palpitations. 

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Neurological symptoms -

Neurological symptoms such as changes to smell or taste, headaches, brain fog, sleep problems, pins and needles, dizziness upon standing, and depression or anxiety might also indicate Long COVID.

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Digestive and other symptoms -

Diarrhea and stomach pain have also been reported in some cases, as well as joint or muscle pain, rashes, or menstrual cycle changes.

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Not an exhaustive list -

These are the most common symptoms, however the list is not exhaustive. More than 200 symptoms have been linked to Long COVID.

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Deterioration after recovery -

Confusingly, some people feel better after making a recovery from COVID-19, before these symptoms begin to emerge in the weeks or months afterward.

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Health conditions -

Multi-organ effects and autoimmune conditions and their symptoms can also result from COVID-19. These conditions are more likely if you suffered a severe infection. 

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Health conditions -

Diabetes, heart conditions, blood clots, or neurological conditions are also more commonly experienced by people who've suffered from COVID-19 than those who haven't.

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At-risk groups -

Much research has focused on understanding why certain groups are more at risk than others of suffering from Long COVID.

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At-risk groups -

People with underlying health conditions prior to COVID-19; those who weren't vaccinated; and those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care for their initial COVID infection, are the three main groups believed to be most at-risk.

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Inequalities might increase the risk -

Some people are more at-risk due to where they live or work, or due to health inequalities associated with certain racial or ethnic minority groups.

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Prevention -

The best way to help prevent Long COVID is to take the steps that prevent the COVID-19 virus from speading. You can protect yourself and those around you by practicing good hygiene.

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Prevention -

You can do this by washing your hands regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

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Vaccines and boosters -

Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters will make it less likely that you develop Long COVID after COVID-19 infection.

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The signs and symptoms of Long COVID -

Although not as common an occurrence, unfortunately Long COVID does sometimes affect young children and adolescents as well.

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Diagnosis -

Even if someone is properly diagnosed, there’s currently no promise they’ll completely recover. Right now, there’s no "cure."

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Studies -

However, in one study, a third of people affected by it at six months post-infection, no longer met the threshold at the nine-month mark. 

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Support -

Fortunately, for those living with the condition, there are support groups available for them and their caregivers. Attending can help people to lessen their sense of isolation.

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Growing data -

Meanwhile, there are numerous studies ongoing to help better understand the condition and how people are affected by it. As more information is discovered, it opens the door for better treatments to become available in the future.

Sources: (CDC) (Time) (Everyday Health) (TODAY.com) (Yale Medicine)

See also: The top anti-inflammatory foods to improve your health

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