What is Long COVID?

What happens when COVID-19 symptoms seem to never go away?

The introduction of COVID-19 may have seemed like a while ago, however, there are new discoveries made every day about it. Although it may seem like old news, there is still plenty of uncertainty and research being done around the disease. Recently, there have been many discussions about how long symptoms last and when they end. Some people are experiencing symptoms that have lasted months and sometimes years later – a condition that is called Long COVID.

COVID-19 affected millions of people around the world, and the number is still growing. From at-home testing and self-diagnosing to difficulty distinguishing between the disease or a simple cold and flu, many COVID-19 cases went unreported. Just like COVID diagnoses, studies estimate that 65 million people worldwide are suffering from Long COVID, not including the many cases that have not been reported. 

Long Covid can affect anyone, no matter the age, however, there are higher risk factors like vaccination status, underlying illnesses, and the severity of the initial COVID illness. 

How do you know you have Long COVID?

Long COVID is a medical condition where you experience prolonged symptoms – lasting weeks, months, and even years after an initial COVID-19 diagnosis. There is still a lot of research being conducted surrounding the medical condition, as it is still a mystery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no clear answer around the duration of symptoms that determines a Long COVID diagnosis. 

People with Long COVID can seem impossible to diagnose. Typically, symptoms are not easy to manage and cannot be explained by tests. Most laboratory imaging cannot give people the answers they are looking for.

What are the symptoms of Long COVID?

Those who have Long COVID may be experiencing one or all of the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Joint or muscle pain
• Brain fog
• Difficulty sleeping
• Shortness of breath
• Upset stomach

Long COVID can be looked at as an extension of COVID-19. Symptoms may continue or reoccur after the initial illness subsides, or they may be present as new symptoms that weren’t experienced during the initial sick phase. Long COVID can affect any part of the body, and serious cases may affect multiple body systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain.

What is the treatment for Long COVID?

In short, there is no “cure” or treatment for Long COVID, unfortunately. Hospitals and clinics help with alleviating the severity of symptoms, but there is no medication to make the condition go away. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act offers resources and protections to those diagnosed with Long Covid as it is classified as a disabling condition. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing severe COVID-19 or ongoing symptoms, from trouble breathing to fatigue, and need immediate relief, Topeka ER & Hospital has you covered. Our team of expert physicians are here to provide you with 24/7 care to get you feeling better quickly. 

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Topeka ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.