Saturday, April 1, 2023
  • Login
The South First
Advertisement
  • Home
  • States
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
  • Politics
    • Behind the News
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Health
  • Videos
  • Dakshin Dialogues
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • States
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
  • Politics
    • Behind the News
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Health
  • Videos
  • Dakshin Dialogues
No Result
View All Result
The South First
No Result
View All Result

Home » Health » What is Long Covid? Doctors detail symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

What is Long Covid? Doctors detail symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Long Covid is a condition in which people experience persistent symptoms after recovering from acute Covid-19.

Sumit JhabySumit Jha
Published:23/02/2023 8:00 am
A A
Long Covid and its struggle

While most people with COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, some individuals continue to experience symptoms for several months after the initial infection. (Wikimedia Commons)

It’s been seven months since Aparna Prakash, a 26-year-old Hyderabad-based content moderation professional, got Covid-19. She still faces difficulty sleeping, and when work pressure gets to her, she experiences palpitations.

For her, life is giving lemons, “but it is difficult to make lemonade as I am unable to get over the long-Covid symptoms”, says Prakash.

She told South First: “I tested positive in June 2022 and tested negative for it after a week, but my sleep cycle has deteriorated and not a day goes by when I don’t have anxiety. I get anxious about everything, from things related to work to personal stuff.”

There are hundreds of people like her who are suffering from Long Covid. Their testimonies can be read on multiple Facebook groups with the simple keyword search “Long Covid hauler”.

Related: Long Covid symptoms can change in children, young people

What is Long Covid?

Long Covid, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a condition in which people experience persistent symptoms after recovering from acute Covid-19, which is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.

While most people with Covid-19 recover within a few weeks, some individuals continue to experience symptoms for several months after the initial infection.

These symptoms can vary widely and may include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, brain fog, difficulty sleeping, depression, and anxiety.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines Long Covid as the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least two months with no other explanation.

Also read: India’s first Covid-19 patient is all set to begin work as a doctor

Long list of symptoms

“There is no single symptom that defines Long Covid. There is a long list, which includes fatigue, body pain, joint pain, shortness of breath, burning in the chest, and sleeping trouble,” National Covid Taskforce co-chairman Dr Rajeev Jayadevan told South First.

“Palpitations, insomnia, pacing heartbeat, abnormal pulmonary function tests, uncontrolled refractory headache, and PTSD are also rare symptoms seen in Long Covid patients,” Dr Dilip Gude, a senior consultant physician at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, told South First.

Jayadevan said many studies are exaggerated when they say one out of four persons suffers from Long Covid.

“But we have now come to the conclusion that it may affect one out of 20 people diagnosed with Covid-19,” he said.

Also read: Wastewater surveillance: Bengaluru Covid cases were 4 times higher!

The diagnosis of Long Covid

The exact causes of Long Covid are still being studied, but some theories suggest that it may be related to ongoing inflammation and damage to various organs in the body caused by the initial viral infection.

Experts suggest that there is no specific lab diagnosis for Long Covid. “It is clinical, and depends on what the patient tells the doctor,” said Jayadevan.

The diagnosis of Long Covid is based on a combination of factors, including:

A confirmed or suspected history of Covid-19 infection: To be diagnosed with Long Covid, a person must have previously tested positive for Covid-19 or experienced symptoms consistent with Covid-19, even if they did not get tested.

Persistence of symptoms: A person must continue to experience symptoms for a prolonged period, typically more than 12 weeks after the onset of the initial Covid-19 infection.

Symptoms that other conditions cannot explain: Doctors will typically perform a range of tests to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms before diagnosing Long Covid.

A multidisciplinary approach: Because Long Covid can involve a wide range of symptoms affecting different parts of the body, doctors may work with specialists in different fields to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

It’s worth noting that the specific symptoms of long Covid can vary widely, and some people may experience symptoms that are not typically associated with Covid-19.

Also read: Covid-19 impacts semen quality, says study

Long Covid also a risk for mental well-being

For Aparna Prakash, explaining Long Covid symptoms to coworkers and friends was another hell of a task.

“When I tell them about my symptoms, they are ignorant about it. They usually say, ‘You are making it up. It can’t be possible. You want a break from work that’s why you are making all these symptoms.’ They have even told me that I should stop making excuses based on Long Covid,” said Prakash.

Hyderabad-based psychologist Dr Kiran Nagpal told South First that the psychological impact of Long Covid can be attributed to a number of factors, including the physical symptoms of the illness, the uncertainty and unpredictability of the condition, the challenges of managing ongoing symptoms, and the social isolation and disruption of daily routines that can occur as a result of the illness.

“The experience of having Covid-19 and ongoing symptoms can also trigger feelings of fear, grief, and loss, particularly if individuals have experienced serious illness or have lost loved ones to Covid-19,” she told South First.

She added that when a person is afraid of expressing what they are feeling, they try to conceal it or express it in very unhealthy ways.

“For these patients, counselling therapy and relaxation techniques help, but the most important part is the social environment where the patient is living. People need to be mindful. Even if they have questions about Long Covid, they should ask with empathy and not doubt,” said Nagpal.

Addressing the psychological impact of Long Covid was an important part of managing the condition, she added.

Treatment options might include mental-health counselling or therapy, medication, mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, social support, and stress management.

The treatment for Long Covid

The treatment of Long Covid-19 is focused on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life.

There is currently no specific cure for Long Covid, and treatment options vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.

“Even a simple paracetamol can help, and sometimes simple regular exercise has helped the patient,” said Gude.

Some common treatments for Long Covid include:

  • Medication: Depending on the symptoms, medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antidepressants may be prescribed to manage pain, inflammation, or mental health conditions.
  • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be recommended to improve mobility, strength, and coordination, and to address any breathing or swallowing difficulties.
  • Psychological support: Mental-health counselling or support groups may be recommended to address anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that may be associated with Long Covid.
  • Oxygen therapy: Some individuals with Long Covid may experience shortness of breath or low oxygen levels, and may require supplemental oxygen therapy to help them breathe better.
  • Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all help improve overall health and well-being, and may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with Long Covid.

“Many people with Long Covid have reported that symptoms gradually get better — even in the absence of specific drug treatment. Most people who have had Covid-19 recovered completely,” said Jayadevan.

He added: “What we need at this hour is a cross-sectional study in India to measure the impact of Long Covid.”

He also said: “Through these studies, we can determine the treatment modalities which can be used for Long Covid patients, possibly in clinical trials.”

Don't miss our top stories!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more information.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Recommended For You

Ex-JD(S) MLA AT Ramaswamy joined BJP
Karnataka

AT Ramaswamy, who quit as JD(S) MLA, joins BJP; shot in arm for saffron party in Hassan

April 1, 2023
Kalakshetra sexual misconduct
Tamil Nadu

Kalakshetra sexual misconduct: Police unable to reach accused assistant professor Hari Padman

April 1, 2023
Bengaluru to Chennai Vande Bharat Express Review
Andhra Pradesh

Prime Minister Modi to flag off Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat on 8 April

April 1, 2023
The deceased was found hanging in a room at the coaching centre where he was enrolled on Monday afternoon. (Wikimedia Commons)
Tamil Nadu

What is wrong with India’s higher education system? IIT-M research scholar dies by suicide

April 1, 2023
BJP MLA Raja Singh booked for hate speech in Ram Navami Yatra
News

Ram Navami yatra: BJP MLA Raja Singh booked for hate speech in Hyderabad, 2 days after Mumbai

April 1, 2023
Kaniminike-Sheshagiri Halli plaza on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway.
Karnataka

Bengaluru-Mysuru Express Highway: NHAI hikes toll fees, and then reverts to old rates

April 1, 2023

Top Stories

Ex-JD(S) MLA AT Ramaswamy joined BJP

AT Ramaswamy, who quit as JD(S) MLA, joins BJP; shot in arm for saffron party in Hassan

April 1, 2023
Kalakshetra sexual misconduct

Kalakshetra sexual misconduct: Police unable to reach accused assistant professor Hari Padman

April 1, 2023
BJP MLA Raja Singh booked for hate speech in Ram Navami Yatra

Ram Navami yatra: BJP MLA Raja Singh booked for hate speech in Hyderabad, 2 days after Mumbai

April 1, 2023

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive daily updates direct to your inbox.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Like and Follow

Follow @TheSouthfirst

Latest

The Karaikal Port was commissioned in 2009 and was developed in the Karaikal district. (Wikimedia Commons)

Adani Ports announces acquisition of Puducherry’s Karaikal Port; now operates 14 ports in India

April 1, 2023
G20 in Kumarakom

G20: Kumarakom shows world how global conference can be hosted in sustainable manner

April 1, 2023
Ex-JD(S) MLA AT Ramaswamy joined BJP

AT Ramaswamy, who quit as JD(S) MLA, joins BJP; shot in arm for saffron party in Hassan

April 1, 2023
The South First

CATEGORIES

  • News
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Entertainment & Culture
  • Featured
  • Health & Wellness
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Karnataka
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Telangana

PAGES

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© 2023 The South First

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • States
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
  • Politics
    • Behind the News
  • Entertainment & Culture
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Health & Wellness
  • Dakshin Dialogues
  • Videos

© 2023 The South First

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our