Long COVID, also known as post COVID syndrome is a term used to describe the symptoms and implications of COVID-19 that last months beyond the initial illness. Long COVID symptoms can vary, with the most common being shortness of breath, fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations and muscle aches. Data has also associated long COVID with cardiovascular risks and effects. While researchers are still trying to determine what causes long COVID, developing research has pointed to three separate theories that could explain the formation of Long COVID, those being the persistence of viral infection, autoimmune reactions and clotting. There is no cure for long COVID as of now. However, there are measures you can undergo to reduce your chance of experiencing the illness. Maintaining proper hygiene standards and a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and nutrition will improve all health parameters.
References
- Rubin, R., 2020. As Their Numbers Grow, COVID-19 “Long Haulers” Stump Experts. JAMA, 324(14), p.1381.
- Buonsenso, D., Munblit, D., De Rose, C., Sinatti, D., Ricchiuto, A., Carfi, A. and Valentini, P., 2021. Preliminary evidence on long COVID in children. Acta Paediatrica, 110(7), pp.2208-2211.
- Chen, C., Haupert, S., Zimmermann, L., Shi, X., Fritsche, L. and Mukherjee, B., 2021. Global Prevalence of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or Long COVID: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.