Everything You Need to Know About 'Long Covid-19'

Although it has been more than a year since the Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan city of China, its impact continues to haunt the way we live, interact, do business, and feel.

With the second wave of the Covid 19 raging, Dr Farah Ingale, director-internal medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital, shares the recent phenomenon called the ‘Long Covid’, which has had a debilitating effect on patient’s lives. 

Dr Ingale says, "While there is no textbook definition of ‘Long Covid’, patients who experience post-Covid symptoms lasting over six months are known to be suffering from this condition. These patients are not just those who have had lengthy stays in the Intensive Care Unit, but also those who have had mild symptoms and may or may not have needed hospitalization. Most common symptoms of ‘Long Covid’ include fatigue, breathlessness on least amount of exertion, persistent cough, muscular and joint pain, drop or inaccuracy in hearing and sight, persistent loss of smell and taste. Many patients with ‘Long Covid’ are also noted to have mental health problems, including anxiety and depression." 

Ánd so, while studies are being conducted worldwide to understand the long-term impact of this virus, at the same time, there are increasing concerns that even after making a complete recovery, a section of patients may face lifelong implications. 

The National Health Service has put together a guide to help patients who’ve recovered from COVID19 understand and brace for post-COVID complications. Their 3-P plan guideline focuses on Pace-Plan-Prioritize. 

I.    Pace: Take your own time to get back to normal life after making recovery. Do not force your body or yourself to get back to normal work schedules immediately.  While you plan your daily chores, also factor in small breaks – rest between two tasks

II.   Plan: Spread our chores across the week. You could also look at re-arranging your home in a way that your everyday use items are close and easily accessible

III.  Prioritize: Split your to-do list into chores that you can do yourself and those you need help with, which means running outdoor errands or caring for a pet, or kids and elderly family members, etc. It would be ideal to delegate your outdoor work to another family member, if possible.

Dr Ingale adds, "Lastly, continue your teleconsultation with your doctors regularly and update them about your health vitals. The doctors need to access your post-Covid recovery. Your doctor will also be able to indicate if you need to undergo any tests, make any lifestyle changes, or recalibrate medication. Ensure medication adherence for complete recovery.  Don’t miss your doctor appointments, eat healthy, sleep well, and stay positive."