Long COVID: What You Need to Know

Long COVID: What You Need to Know

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Most people with mild to moderate COVID-19 experience symptoms that last for roughly two weeks. Others, however, may have symptoms that linger after they have overcome the initial illness.

The cause of these lingering symptoms, which is often referred to as long COVID, or PASC (post-acute sequelae of SARS-Cov-2), are still being investigated by researchers. As studies continue, clinicians are making significant strides in determining how to treat symptoms in those with long COVID.

How common is long COVID?

Recent studies show that one in three people with COVID-19 may end up having long-term symptoms. Generally, individuals who had more severe initial illness are more likely to experience long COVID.

Long COVID symptoms generally begin two to four weeks after the patient recovers from the initial illness. These symptoms can last for several months after the initial infection, which has given rise to the term “COVID long haulers” for those suffering these effects.

What are the symptoms of long COVID?

Some patients experience symptoms similar to those they had during the initial illness, such as shortness of breath and fatigue. However, individuals have experienced a number of other symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Brain fog
  • Changes in taste and smell
  • Chest pain
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Mood changes
  • Muscle aches
  • Numbness
  • Racing heart

“The list of symptoms is long,” says Raquel Nahra, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cooper University Health Care. “And symptoms can be persistent or may come and go.”

When should you seek treatment?

For certain symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you should visit your closest emergency department. For symptoms that don’t require immediate care, make an appointment with your primary care physician.

Cooper University Health Care has a specialized program to care for people with long-term COVID-19.

“We take a comprehensive, team approach to treating long COVID, which includes experts from specialties such as pulmonary medicine, cardiology, neurology, and others who are up to date with the latest research,” Dr. Nahra says. “This makes it easier for us to look at each case individually and determine the best course of action.”

How is long COVID treated?

Your physician will perform a physical examination and may order blood work or other tests for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. Treatment will be tailored to your specific needs.

The most effective way to prevent long COVID is not to get COVID-19 in the first place.

“The best way to do this is to get vaccinated,” Dr. Nahra says. “There are breakthrough cases among people who are vaccinated, but you’ll have a better chance of avoiding COVID-19—and long COVID—altogether.”

If you think you may be experiencing long COVID, you can request an appointment with our Long COVID Treatment Program by calling 800.826.6737 or using our online appointment form.


 

El COVID Prolongado: Lo Que Necesita Saber

La mayoría de las personas con COVID-19 de leve a moderado experimentan síntomas que duran aproximadamente dos semanas. Otros, sin embargo, pueden tener síntomas que persisten después de haber superado la enfermedad inicial.

Los investigadores están investigando este problema, que a menudo se denomina como COVID-19 prolongado o PASC (secuelas pos agudas del SARS-Cov-2). Sin embargo, los médicos están logrando avances significativos en la determinación de cómo tratar los síntomas en las personas con COVID prolongado, a quienes a veces se les conoce como transportistas de larga distancia de COVID.

¿Qué tan común es el COVID prolongado?

Estudios recientes muestran que una de cada tres personas con COVID-19 puede terminar teniendo síntomas a largo plazo. Las personas que tenían una enfermedad inicial más grave tienen más probabilidades de experimentar un COVID prolongado.

Los síntomas prolongados de COVID-19 generalmente comienzan de dos a cuatro semanas después de que el paciente se recupera de la enfermedad inicial y pueden durar varios meses.

¿Cuáles son los síntomas del COVID prolongado?

Algunos pacientes experimentan síntomas similares a los que tenían durante la enfermedad inicial, como dificultad para respirar y fatiga. Sin embargo, pueden aparecer otros síntomas que incluyen los siguientes:

  • Dolor abdominal
  • Dificulta para pensar
  • Cambios en el gusto y el olfato
  • Dolor de pecho
  • Tos
  • Diarrea
  • Fiebre
  • Dolor de cabeza
  • Insomnio
  • Cambios de humor
  • Dolores musculares
  • Entumecimiento
  • Corazón acelerado

“La lista de síntomas es larga”, dice Raquel Nahra, MD, especialista en enfermedades infecciosas en Cooper University Health Care. “Y los síntomas pueden ser persistentes o pueden aparecer y desaparecer”.

¿Cuándo debería buscar tratamiento?

Para ciertos síntomas, como dolor en el pecho o dificultad para respirar, debe visitar el departamento de emergencias más cercano. Para los síntomas que no requieren atención inmediata, programe una cita con su médico de atención primaria.

Cooper University Health Care tiene un programa especializado para atender a personas con COVID a largo plazo.

“Adoptamos un enfoque de equipo integral para tratar el COVID prolongado, que incluye expertos de especialidades como medicina pulmonar, cardiología, neurología y otras que están al día con las últimas investigaciones”, dice la Dra. Nahra. “Esto nos facilita analizar cada caso individualmente y determinar el mejor curso de acción”.

¿Cuánto tiempo se trata el COVID?

Su médico realizará un examen físico y puede ordenar análisis de sangre u otras pruebas para una evaluación completa de sus síntomas. El tratamiento se adaptará a sus necesidades específicas.

La forma más efectiva de prevenir el COVID prolongado es no contraer COVID en primer lugar.

“La mejor manera de hacer esto es vacunándose”, dice la Dra. Nahra. “Hay casos de gran avance entre las personas que están vacunadas, pero tendrá más posibilidades de evitar el COVID-19, y el COVID prolongado, por completo”.

Si cree que puede estar experimentando un COVID prolongado, puede solicitar una cita con nuestro Programa de tratamiento prolongado de COVID llamando al 800.826.6737 o utilizando nuestro formulario de citas en línea.

2 Comments

  1. The most ridiculous statement in this information (paraphrased)
    “The best way to treat COVID is not to COVID in the first place.”
    This is such an uncaring statement to read for someone who is suffering from COVID.
    I am fully vaccinated since March 4, 2021. I got COVID. I did not try to get COVID. I felt that I was being careful by following the guidelines. And still I got Covid. Now I am still recovering since initial symptoms on August 19. Tested positive on August 23. My greatest complaint is fatigue and loss of taste and smell. I pray that I get better because I want to feel better.

  2. CP

    What about loss of taste and smell? those may not be as serious as the other long COVID issues, but needs to be looked at also. I am going on 10 months and its very frustrating.

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