Even after you’ve recovered from COVID-19, there may be persistent symptoms that linger afterward. These ongoing health problems experienced by many COVID-19 patients comprise a condition called Post-COVID.
What are Long COVID symptoms, and how do you treat these COVID-19 aftereffects? Read on to find out.
How long does COVID-19 infection last?
Most mild or moderate COVID-19 infections last about two weeks after you test positive. However, some former COVID-19 patients reported lingering effects like chronic fatigue syndrome and mental health conditions, even after a few weeks of infection.
These health problems may affect patients’ lives greatly. Research suggests that people with Post-COVID are more likely to contract a severe illness like lung disease. Additionally, the brain fog experienced by many COVID-19 patients may cause them to struggle in school or at work.
What is Post-COVID?
Post-COVID, also known as “Long COVID” or “long-haul COVID-19”, describes a wide range of returning, ongoing, or new symptoms experienced more than four weeks after the initial COVID-19 recovery period.
COVID-19 typically runs its course in around 14 days. However, even after the initial symptoms have subsided, many patients still struggle with its long-term effects. These can be mild symptoms or, in some cases, a severe illness.
What causes Post-COVID?
Health professionals are still researching the exact cause of Post-COVID, so there’s no clear answer. However, there are some theories regarding why COVID-19 patients still experience symptoms even after recovery. The COVID-19 virus:
- Causes blood clots and vessel damage in patients’ lungs
- Lingers in patients’ bodies, even months after recovery
- Puts the patients’ immune systems into constant overdrive
While these theories about COVID-19 aftereffects may be plausible, we won’t know for sure what causes Post-COVID until researchers do more clinical trials and uncover new evidence.
Post-COVID risk factors
Since COVID-19 infection can lead to Post-COVID conditions, the same risk factors for the former still apply to the latter, such as:
- Advanced age
- Lung issues
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
What are the symptoms of Post-COVID?
Post-COVID is accompanied by a wide range of potential symptoms, which will vary from patient to patient. Individuals with underlying health problems may be at greater risk for experiencing symptoms that are more pronounced.
Post-COVID conditions can range from cardiac and respiratory symptoms to psychological and neurological symptoms. Some of the commonly reported Post-COVID symptoms and medical conditions include:
- Severe fatigue
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Chest pain
- Cognitive impairment (“brain fog”)
- Diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Impairment or loss of taste/smell
- Anxiety, low mood and depression
- Sleep problems
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Keep in mind that other symptoms may occur in addition to the ones listed above.
The World Health Organization has published studies regarding the incidence of Post-COVID conditions. They have concluded that between 10 and 30 percent of COVID-19 patients experienced one or more symptoms four weeks or more after initial recovery.
Treatment for Post-COVID conditions
Post-COVID is still a relatively new disease, and there is currently no concrete remedy or proven medication that can cure patients with lingering symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.
However, breakthroughs toward finding better treatment options for Post-COVID conditions are happening every day.
Understanding your situation
The Post-COVID treatment journey starts with understanding your symptoms and using that knowledge to determine the best treatment plan to suit your needs.
In most cases, the goal of treatment strategies will be to manage the extent and severity of long-term symptoms of COVID-19, which will optimize daily function and help improve the overall quality of life.
People who experience Post-COVID conditions may find different strategies more helpful than others for coping with their situation.
Dealing with stress
Stress can majorly exacerbate existing illnesses or even cause the accelerated development of new illnesses.
Learning how to cope with your stress levels healthily is important in treating Post-COVID conditions. You can implement several strategies in your daily routine to help mediate stress and improve your quality of life.
Stress coping strategies include:
- Stretching, meditation and practicing mindfulness
- Strategic breathing exercises
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Practicing good sleeping habits
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Connecting and communicating with others
- Scheduling rest periods throughout the work or school day
Long COVID treatment by symptom
You can manage different symptoms through treatments and/or therapies developed for that specific symptom and the resulting long-term effects. Below are a few treatments and remedies for Long COVID symptoms:
Fatigue
- Implement physical exercise programs that involve strength and endurance training, stretching and aerobic activities.
- Learn strategies for maintaining energy levels (Pacing, Planning, Prioritizing, Positioning).
- Ensure exercise-induced fatigue shortness.
Neurological symptoms
- Implement the use of cognition stimulating exercises.
- Get physical activity to stimulate the body and increase neural activity.
Cardiac symptoms
- Refer to a cardiovascular specialist to assess symptoms.
- Go through cardiac rehabilitation or a medication regimen.
Psychological symptoms
- Get support from group counselling, healthcare providers and family/friends.
- Get medications to manage depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health
The fallout of COVID-19 and the global pandemic that ensued has significantly impacted the mental health of many.
Stressors caused by the pandemic have increased the number of people experiencing common symptoms of PTSD and feeling the effects of mental health decline.
Whether you were directly affected by COVID-19, worked on the front lines, experienced the death of a loved one, or experienced trauma from a second-hand perspective, the effects can be substantial.
Finding healthy ways to cope with the effects of stressors, talking about your issues and coming to terms with the traumatic events are all big parts of the road to recovery.
Long COVID prevention
We still don’t know what exactly causes the Post-COVID condition, so the best way to prevent it is to avoid contracting the coronavirus disease in the first place. To do this, you should still adhere to proven COVID prevention guidelines, such as:
- Improve room ventilation.
- Wear a mask.
- Get vaccinated.
- Get tested when you experience physical symptoms of COVID-19.
- Avoid contact with COVID-19 patients.
Healthcare providers and Long COVID support
There are many resources and available support for people suffering from Post-COVID conditions.
Healthcare providers will create personalized treatment plans developed with your specific needs in mind.
Post-COVID recovery with RT Medical
RT Medical has established a dedicated Post-COVID recovery clinic that allows patients to manage their ongoing symptoms and improve their quality of life after their initial recovery from COVID-19.
Take advantage of a personalized healthcare plan developed to meet your specific needs based on a thorough health assessment.
Through one-on-one support and specialized care, we strive to minimize the burden that Post-COVID symptoms have on our patients’ lives. Our team of interdisciplinary healthcare professionals provides unparalleled care and important patient resources.
Your Post-COVID recovery journey starts with a comprehensive recovery package that includes:
- Welcome call with our virtual concierge to answer any preliminary questions you may have
- Comprehensive health assessment session with one of our registered Nurse Practitioners specializing in Post-COVID virtual examinations
- Referrals for diagnostic tests if needed (blood work, x-rays etc.)
- Prescriptions for necessary medications, sent directly to your chosen pharmacy
- Direct referrals to necessary specialists (respirologists, cardiologists etc.)
- Personalized healthcare plan with symptom management strategies and treatment suggestions
- Follow-up appointment with a Post-COVID specialized Nurse Practitioner
- Flexible scheduling that allows you to receive care when it is most convenient
Vaccination and Long COVID protection
Vaccination against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself against the virus. Regardless of your health status and previous exposure to COVID-19, vaccination should be the first step to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
In patients that have been vaccinated and experience a breakthrough infection, vaccination could reduce the likelihood that they will develop Long COVID.
Unvaccinated patients may be more susceptible to developing Post-COVID conditions. However, there’s no concrete evidence to support this.
When will we understand the full effects of COVID-19?
While we learn more about COVID-19 almost every day, we don’t know when we’ll understand the full effects of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and other public health institutions are still learning more and more about COVID-19 and will hopefully uncover more insights in the future.
Closing thoughts
Not all patients experience Long COVID after recovering from COVID-19. However, former COVID-19 patients who do may experience ongoing symptoms weeks or even months after their positive test.
Postcovid.ca is here to assist you through the Post-COVID recovery process. Our virtual clinic provides specialized telehealth care from trained professionals, all accessible from the comfort of your home. Book a free call today to see how we can help your COVID-19 recovery journey!
Post-COVID treatment FAQ
Can anyone experience Post-COVID syndrome?
Anybody who’s had a mild or acute COVID-19 infection can experience Post-COVID. However, we still don’t know what makes somebody more susceptible to Post-COVID until research studies uncover more information.
Is Post-COVID considered COVID-19?
While Post-COVID may include returning symptoms, a PCR or antigen test are the only ways to determine your COVID-19 status. If you test negative while suffering post-COVID, you don’t have COVID-19.
Do COVID-19 vaccines protect me from Post-COVID?
COVID-19 vaccines don’t specifically protect you from Post-COVID. However, COVID-19 patients with breakthrough infections after getting vaccinated reportedly have a lower risk of Long COVID.
Do I need to visit a clinic if I have Post-COVID?
You don’t have to visit a clinic if you experience a mild illness after recovering from COVID-19. However, if you experience severe symptoms after acute COVID-19 infection or experience longer-term effects of COVID, you should see a doctor.
How long does Post-COVID last?
Post-COVID can last from a few weeks to a few months after COVID-19 infection. The exact duration isn’t known and may vary between COVID-19 cases.
