While the majority of people are infected with COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, others experience manifestations of the virus for months on end – some of which are initially considered moderate or even mild. Researchers called these people ‘long haul’ and their condition, ‘long COVID’ or ‘post-COVID syndrome’. “Elderly people and people with very serious medical conditions are likely to experience the longest COVID-19 symptoms, but even young, otherwise healthy people can feel bad for weeks to months after infection,” explains the Mayo Clinic. They also mention many of the common signs and symptoms that are likely to linger long past the virus itself. Read on to find out what it is – and do not miss it to ensure your health and the health of others Sure signs that you already have a Coronavirus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, fatigue is one of the hallmark symptoms that long-term sufferers suffer from. Unlike the fatigue you are used to, long-term fatigue is generally described as ‘crushing’ and is so extreme that those who experience it struggle to return to work or even get out of bed.
Shortness of breath is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19. According to the Mayo Clinic, this respiratory complication for very long carrier is persistent. In another article, the Mayo Clinic explains that COVID-related pneumonia can permanently damage the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. “The resulting scar tissue can lead to long-term breathing problems,” they explain.
A dry cough is one of the primary symptoms of COVID-19. And it is also one that reports long carrier months after an infection. According to the American Lung Association this can be the result of permanent damage to the lungs, which in turn can affect the body’s ability to function normally. On the other hand, they do show that some long-term sufferers experience symptoms such as a dry cough, “without apparently damaging the vital organs.”
The Mayo Clinic explains that joint pain often arises as a result of inflammation. And according to what we know about COVID-19, inflammation is a common manifestation of the virus.
COVID-19 has an impact on the lungs and the respiratory system, and according to some long-term keepers, it takes a long time after their initial infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden, sharp chest pains – also known as pleurisy – may indicate an inflammation of the lung walls.
Achy muscles can be a sign that you are struggling with an infection – or even one that your body already has. As for headaches, according to a Case Report, one woman suffered from COVID headache months after her initial infection. “New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is another chronic headache that can be caused by viral diseases,” the researchers explained in the report.
Heart palpitations are ‘feelings of a fast beating, fluttering or beating heart’, explains the Mayo Clinic. “Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can cause it.” One study published in JAMA Cardiology found that 78 percent of the COVID-19 patients recovered reported ‘cardiac involvement’, while 60% had persistent heart inflammation. And even those who initially suffered from mild to moderate infections reported persistent heart problems, including palpitations.
Loss of smell or taste is one of the first symptoms reported by those suffering from a COVID infection. Unfortunately, very long transports report that the senses cannot return for many months.
Because COVID-19 has an impact on the neurological system, memory problems, sleep complications, and concentration problems are long-term staff.
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Rash and hair loss are other phenomena that linger for long-term staff. One of the most peculiar symptoms of COVID in the long term is pernio / chilblains, a redness and swelling of the feet and hands, commonly known as ‘COVID tone’. Others, including celebrity Alyssa Milano, report extensive hair loss.
Contact a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms. There is no cure for Long COVID, but experts can help relieve certain symptoms. And follow the simple principles of public health and help end this boomno matter where you live – wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, do not go indoors with people you do not shelter with (especially in pubs), practice good hand hygiene, be vaccinated if available to you and around your life and the lives of others, do not visit of this not 35 places you are likely to catch COVID.