COVID-19 has taken the world by storm. Nobody anticipated that the virus would last this long, or that it would pose such an unprecedented challenge to both our health and economy. Whilst there is no doubt that we have learnt a lot about it over the last year, it continues to throw curveballs every now and then which keep us medical professionals on our toes.
While there is no textbook case or exact guidelines for recovery like we have for malaria, typhoid or even another virus like influenza, statistics show us that the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 far exceeds that of those who are left with complications or sadly succumb to it.
The problem is this. We are seeing a sizeable number of people who have been infected with COVID-19 but can’t seem to rid their bodies of its effects even months later. It is a mystery that has baffled the medical community. Patients among this group may even develop COVID-19 like symptoms and others, weeks after testing negative for the virus. They have been designated ‘COVID long-haulers’ or ‘Long COVID sufferers’.
Common symptoms of Long COVID can range from hair fall, skin problems, chronic cough, brain fog, headaches, loss of taste and smell to insomnia, fatigue, difficulty breathing, palpitations, depression, joint pains to blood clots and lung scarring. The list is a long one (also goes to show COVID-19 isn’t just a respiratory disease). While most these symptoms may not kill you, they are definitely debilitating and affect a person’s quality of life.
Long COVID affects all patients, from those with comorbidities to others who are young and healthy. In my practice, I have seen a significant number of young patients who cannot focus at work and now suffer from insomnia. A patient of mine, an otherwise very fit and healthy girl, had a debilitating cough and a flare-up of psoriasis three months after testing negative for COVID-19. Another young patient complains that his stamina whilst working out just isn’t the same even a month after recovery. He cannot exercise because he experiences shortness of breath a few minutes in. Yet another patient of mine, who is middle-aged, obese and an uncontrolled diabetic, has developed pulmonary fibrosis following COVID-19. Some patients who were very sick and spent time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Unfortunately, many long-haulers claim that their symptoms are being overlooked. They are being told by both their doctors and families that they are exaggerating—even imagining—their condition.
Only time—backed by solid, scientific and medical research—can give us definitive answers for how to deal with COVID long-haulers. Meanwhile, based on both patient testimonials and physician evidence, we must do what we can to treat their genuine, debilitating health problems.
Below are some of the most common symptoms presented by post-COVID long-haulers and what can be done to help their condition:
Brain fog/fatigue
About 25 per cent of COVID-19 sufferers experience brain fog and fatigue weeks and months after infection. A possible reason for this is the cytokine storm that can happen during COVID-19 predominantly due to inflammation.
My recommendation
Most patients suffering from this have heightened anxiety. Compassion and empathy, both from medical professionals and family members, is very important.
Vitamins like B6 and B12, and iron and folic acid, in addition to hydrating well and increasing protein content in your diet, can alleviate these symptoms. Also, the use of supplements like Coenzyme Q10 as explained above and magnesium (for those very stressed) is also helpful.
Loss of smell and taste
This is a disturbing aftereffect experienced by almost 30 per cent of patients post-COVID.
My recommendation
This is not a life-threatening symptom. It can also be intermittent and last up to six months. Increase zinc supplement if low (but avoid zinc sprays as they may cause permanent loss of smell).
Insomnia, depression, PTSD
PTSD is commonly seen in COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the ICU. This most likely stems from complete isolation and anxiety. Research has also linked loneliness to poor cellular and immune health and increased viral load during an infection.
My recommendation
I prescribe magnesium and melatonin for these issues. Adding a good probiotic supplement also helps with mood.
To know more about managing Long COVID symptoms, click here to buy Covid and Post-Covid Recovery: DoctorVee’s 6-Point Plan.
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