Years have passed since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, and while some people have regained parts of their pre-pandemic lifestyles, the virus still significantly impacts people. Beyond the immediate effects of acute infection, long COVID continues to affect many people, including those who had mild cases or were asymptomatic during their initial infection. Long COVID symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect daily life in significant ways. Some individuals find that their symptoms make returning to work or school difficult, while others struggle with routine tasks or even walking short distances.
In fact, because mild cases are more common than severe ones, most people with Long COVID had mild initial infections. Both adults and children can experience Long COVID, though it is more frequently seen in adults. Research suggests that between 5% and 30% of people who had COVID-19 may develop Long COVID, but its exact prevalence is still being studied.
Healthcare professionals now recognize long COVID, also known as long haul COVID, post-COVID conditions (PCC), or post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), as a distinct syndrome. So, How long does long covid last? Its symptoms can last much longer than the typical few weeks and may vary in severity and duration, sometimes changing or reappearing over time.
What is long COVID?
While most people with COVID-19 recover within a couple of weeks, some continue to experience symptoms or even develop new ones long after their initial infection. This condition, known as long COVID, is defined as a chronic issue that persists for at least three months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long COVID can involve a broad spectrum of symptoms that affect various aspects of health, including physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. Symptoms may fluctuate, sometimes improving, worsening, or remaining constant over time, and they can significantly impact an individual's daily life and overall quality of life.
How do you know if you have long covid?
A frequently asked question is how to know if i have long covid? At the moment, there isn't a specific test to diagnose long COVID, making it a bit challenging to identify. Patients with long COVID often experience a range of persistent symptoms long after their initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can include new health issues or worsening of previous conditions. If you find yourself dealing with symptoms that last four weeks or more after your initial infection, it might be a sign of long COVID. It's important to note these ongoing symptoms and discuss them with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
Is Long Covid contagious?
If you are wondering, how long are you contagious with covid, long COVID cannot be spread from one person to another. If you have long COVID, you are not contagious, so others cannot catch it from you, even if you still feel unwell. Long COVID is a condition that affects some people after their initial COVID-19 infection has cleared. It involves lingering symptoms or new health issues that continue for weeks or months, but it is not an infectious disease. This means that while you might experience ongoing symptoms, you won't pass them on to others.
Who is at risk of Long COVID?
Long COVID can impact anyone, including children, and can develop after any level of COVID-19, whether it was asymptomatic, mild, or severe. However, certain groups are at higher risk:
Those who had severe COVID-19, especially if they needed hospitalization or intensive care
Individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or obesity
Those who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine
People who experienced multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C in children or MIS-A in adults) during or after COVID-19
Women, older adults, and
those with multiple SARS-CoV-2 infections are also at increased risk
In the U.S., adults aged 35 to 49 are the most likely to have had or currently have Long COVID, according to CDC data. Additionally, some COVID-19 variants have been more commonly associated with Long COVID than others.
What causes Long COVID?
The exact causes of Long COVID are still being studied, but researchers and doctors have suggested several theories. One theory is that remnants of the virus may linger in the body, causing ongoing immune responses that damage tissues and lead to Long COVID symptoms. Another possibility is that dormant viruses, like the Epstein-Barr virus, reactivate and contribute to these symptoms. Some believe that Long COVID could be the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own organs and tissues. Additionally, damage to organs from the initial COVID-19 infection might play a role. It's likely that a combination of these factors contributes to Long COVID, and more research is needed to understand the condition fully.
What are the symptoms of Long COVID?
Even if someone's initial COVID-19 illness wasn't severe, they might still experience long COVID symptoms. These symptoms can persist for months or even years. Long COVID can cause a range of issues, from heart palpitations and breathing difficulties to extreme fatigue. Some people also struggle with trouble concentrating or other mental health challenges.
Here are some common symptoms of long COVID:
Persistent tiredness or fatigue that disrupts daily activities
Difficulty concentrating often referred to as brain fog
Symptoms that worsen after physical or mental exertion, known as post-exertional malaise
Frequent fever
Respiratory and heart symptoms:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Rapid or pounding heartbeat
Common nervous system symptoms you might experience:
Trouble thinking or focusing
Headaches
Problems with sleep
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing up
Tingling or numb sensations
Changes in smell or taste
Feelings of depression or anxiety
Digestive Symptoms:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Other Symptoms:
Joint or muscle pain
Rash
Changes in menstrual periods
How is Long COVID treated?
Long COVID can cause a wide range of symptoms, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment. It's important for individuals with Long COVID to work with their healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
For those with multiple symptoms, treatment may involve various specialists, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation experts. A primary care doctor often works with these specialists to manage treatment.
Here's a breakdown of potential treatments for different symptoms:
Fatigue: Patients might learn strategies for managing activities, known as the "4 Ps" (Pacing, Planning, Prioritizing, and Positioning). Activities should be adjusted based on fatigue levels, gradually increasing if possible, but reducing if symptoms worsen.
Respiratory symptoms: Shortness of breath may be treated with breathing exercises, supplemental oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Medications like corticosteroids might be used, and patients may need a pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels. Persistent coughs can be managed with cough suppressants, inhalers, or other medications. Chest pain may be treated with NSAIDs or inhaled bronchodilators, and a cardiovascular specialist may be consulted if needed.
Cardiac symptoms: Rapid heart rate or chest pain might require seeing a cardiovascular specialist, who may recommend cardiac rehabilitation and medications.
Neurological symptoms: Memory issues might be managed with neurologic rehabilitation or memory aids. A neurologist may be consulted for further help.
Psychological symptoms: Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions might be treated with counseling, support groups, or medications.
Smell and taste symptoms: Reduced or lost sense of smell or taste might be treated with olfactory training, and if unresolved, an ENT specialist might be consulted.
Insomnia and sleep issues: Treatments may include improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding naps, getting enough exercise, and limiting caffeine and alcohol. Relaxation techniques might also be helpful.
For symptoms related to kidneys, liver, endocrine function, dermatology, or gastrointestinal issues, patients are usually referred to the appropriate specialists. Treatment might also include physical therapy, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, or speech and language therapy.
Conclusion
For many people with Long COVID, symptoms often improve on their own within three months after their initial COVID-19 infection. However, some individuals may experience symptoms that last beyond three months and can continue for years.
Treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms, enhance quality of life, and support gradual recovery. Researchers are constantly learning more about Long COVID and developing new ways to treat it and aid in recovery.
As a Naturopathic Physician with over forty years in practice, Dr. Collins has great success in using traditional natural medicines and modern scientific tools to restore Long COVID patients to their normal lives. Please contact our office (858) 333-5196 today for a free 10 minute consultation with Dr. Collins to learn if our office can help you get your life back on track.
About The Author: Dr. Collins
Dr. Collins is a Pacific Northwest native and University of Oregon graduate in biology and comparative religions, practicing Naturopathic Medicine. Committed to harmonizing ancient traditions with modern science, he prioritizes holistic patient care in Oregon.
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