Long Covid is a disease that affects the heart, kidney, skin and brain. It’s caused by a virus called COVID-19, which was first identified in 2020 and had been spreading rapidly since then.
Long Covid can spread through coughing, sneezing, or kissing someone infected with COVID-19. The virus can also be spread by touching an object that an infected person has recently touched and then touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or other mucous membranes (like your hands). The virus typically lasts 10 to 14 days but can be longer depending on the individual and their immune system.
What are the symptoms of Long Covid?
Covid is a form of bacterial infection that causes inflammation, often in the lungs, and can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of Covid vary significantly from person to person, but they often include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle Aches
- Chest Tightness Or Pain
- Muscle And Joint Pain
- Pain in Back And Shoulders
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- Difficulty With Motor Function Or Speech
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bowel Incontinence
- Changes To Smell Or Taste
- Earaches And Ringing In Ears
- Nausea
- Fever
- Feeling Cold
- Heavy Arms And Legs
- Hair Loss
- Skin Rashes
How long does a Covid disease last?
The average person in the United States will contract the COVID-19 virus in 10 -20 days. However, the average person might not be able to tell when they’ve been infected because it can take up to 6 weeks for symptoms to appear.
Some people may be more susceptible than others in these first three months. This is usually because they were exposed to the virus early on or have a genetic predisposition that makes them more likely to get sick.
Those with COVID-19 have an 85% chance of experiencing symptoms for at least 12 days after exposure. For pregnant women or those with a weakened immune system, this can last even longer—upwards of 40 days.
Most (87%) had been experiencing symptoms for at least three months, and a half (55%) had experienced their symptoms for at least a year. A quarter of patients with chronic VHD had suffered from the disease over two years.
What are the different types of long covid?
There are two types of long-term COVID:
Ongoing symptomatic COVID
Ongoing symptomatic COVID is a condition in which the patient continues to experience symptoms and complications from the initial infection. This can include lung infections, joint pain, cognitive impairment, and even permanent disability. This can also be referred to as chronic COVID or persistent COVID. This type usually lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.
Post-COVID syndrome
Post-COVID syndrome is a condition that occurs after someone has recovered from an initial infection with CVID and no longer shows any symptoms of it. Post-COVID syndrome can include fatigue, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and depression. The lasting period ranges from over 12 weeks.
What are the types of chest pain after Covid?
Here are the three types of chest pain you may experience after being infected with COVID-19:
Muscle Pain or Soreness (Myalgia)
A sharp, stabbing sensation in the chest characterizes this type of pain. An ache can accompany it in the muscles at the back of the neck and upper back. This pain usually comes on suddenly and subsides within a few hours.
Non-Specific Chest Pain
This type of pain is characterized by a dull ache in the chest that lasts longer than two weeks. Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, can accompany it. Despite being non-specific, this type of chest pain can still be treated with medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Pleuritic Pain (Chest Pain When You Breathe In)
This chest pain is caused by irritation on one side of your lung (pleura). It’s often accompanied by an ache in the ribs or shoulder blade area and difficulty breathing. This chest pain usually lasts for about three days and is usually treated with antibiotics like amoxicillin or clarithromycin.
What are the tests for a Covid 19 disease?
Here are the tests for a Covid 19 disease:
Blood tests
Blood tests are a common way of diagnosing a Covid 19 disease. A doctor will take a sample of your blood and send it to an approved laboratory, where it is tested for the presence of antibodies that would indicate you have contracted the virus.
Heart rate and blood pressure checks
Your heart rate and blood pressure can be checked at home using an app on your phone or tablet. This can help determine if you are experiencing symptoms of cardiovascular problems associated with the virus.
An ECG (electrocardiogram)
This test monitors your heart’s electrical activity, which can help identify abnormal rhythms or signs of heart failure, both of which may be caused by contracting this virus.
A chest X-ray
A chest X-ray can help determine whether your lungs have been affected by this virus and whether any changes have occurred in their structure since your initial diagnosis. It can also provide insight into whether any other organs have been affected by this infection, such as the lungs or heart.
Pulse oximetry (to test your blood oxygen levels)
When taking this test, your doctor will place a small clip on your finger or earlobe and use a machine to measure how much oxygen is in your blood. This test can help them determine whether or not your body can get enough oxygen from breathing, which could indicate that you’re experiencing a complication of Covid 19.
An Exercise Tolerance Test, Such as a Sit-to-Stand Test
In this test, you are asked to stand up from a chair and sit back down again several times while your doctor monitors your heart rate and breathing patterns. This helps them determine how well your heart and lungs are working during exercise, which can indicate whether or not you have developed complications from Covid 19.
What are the Tips for Managing Long Covid symptoms?
Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is plant-based and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. It also includes fish and other seafood. The Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Recommended Alcohol Limits
While there is no specific amount of alcohol that can be considered safe during a pandemic, experts do recommend limiting alcohol intake while recovering from COVID symptoms. In general, limit yourself to one drink per day if you’re not pregnant or nursing an infant. If you have liver disease or heart disease, it’s best not to drink at all.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s rest is critical during stress and illness; however, many people experience insomnia when dealing with COVID symptoms like fatigue, headaches or muscle aches. Make sure you get enough sleep (at least seven hours per night) by practicing healthy sleep habits.
Flexibility and Strength Exercises
People with long-term covid should do flexibility and strength exercises to help relieve symptoms and prevent injury. Flexibility exercises include stretching before bedtime and yoga or tai chi during the day. Strength exercises include lifting weights, doing pushups, and running.
Final Word
At Long Covid Clinics, we believe you deserve the best care for your Long Covid condition. We offer a wide range of services, including personalized medication prescriptions and support from our highly trained staff. We know that life with Long Covid is difficult—and if you can’t get the help you need from your primary care physician, then we’re here to help!
Our goal is to give you access to the tools and resources you need to manage your condition and live an active, happy life.
