Long COVID - A Pandemic during Pandemic

Background: In recent times global health agencies seem to be worried from an emerging cases of long COVID. WHO urged people to seek medical help who are struggling with after effects of COVID19 despite recovering from acute phase. Any symptoms lasting beyond 4 weeks after COVID infection is coined as Long COVID.A nation wide study done by UK office for National Statistics reported every 1 in 10 COVID case suffers from Long COVID.

A recent study published in JAMA revealed almost one third of the COVID cases reported persistent symptoms even after 9 months of recovery. Long COVID consists of more than 200 symptoms reported as on date. Long COVID clinics are being already rolled out in all major multispecialty hospitals globally. We are encountering with number of cases complaining various symptoms after COVID19 recovery. We sensed a strong fear is still present among previous COVID cases. There is a strong need of an awareness drive on symptom identification and counseling for post COVID complications.

Symptoms: Fatigue Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Cough Joint pain Chest pain Memory, concentration or sleep problems Muscle pain or headache Fast or pounding heartbeat Loss of smell or taste Depression or anxiety Fever Dizziness when you stand Brain fog Take home message: Much is still unknown about how COVID-19 will affect people over time, but research is ongoing.

Researchers recommend that doctors closely monitor people who have had COVID-19 to see how their organs are functioning after recovery. Spread words of awareness among your patients and help creating supportive environment.

References:

1. www.who.int www.cdc.gov

2. www.nhs.uk www.bhf.org.uk

3. www.mayoclinic.org www.jamanetwork.com