Harianjogja.com, JAKARTA – Recovery from infection with the new corona virus can take a while, depending on the symptoms. For many people, symptoms can last weeks or even months. This is what is known as long covid or long term covid.
With symptoms ranging from heart disease, impaired lung function, cognitive decline, and compromised immunity, long-standing Covid-19 is likely to affect people who have severe disease.
Dealing with long covid can also be problematic. Researchers have revealed in detail the possible symptoms they experience and how long it takes them to continue living in a normal way.
If estimated figures are to be believed, post-Covid syndrome could continue to affect between 25 and 30 percent of people who suffer from this pandemic disease. In many cities around the world, special post-covid care clinics have also opened.
Because the virus can make many people struggle to manage their symptoms and regain quality of life, doctors are warning people, especially those with severe symptoms, to prepare a recovery plan.
If you have recently recovered or are at risk of developing long covid, the following are guidelines for managing your condition and long-term health, as quoted Times of India, Thursday (14/1/2021).
1. What are the symptoms of long covid that can be experienced?
Given the nature of the virus, this type of infection can affect people differently. Some people suffer from mild or moderate symptoms, while others have more severe illness.
Headaches, extreme and chronic fatigue, back pain, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and a prolonged cough can be common in the first few weeks after recovery. These can be persistent symptoms due to residual viral load in the body.
Existing reports suggest that the most common long-term complications are damage to the heart, respiratory system and nervous system. There is also other research that confirms that Covid-19 can make people vulnerable to several mental illnesses such as PTSD, insomnia and depression.
Some people also report brain fog, confusion, memory loss, and cognitive problems after recovery. The most important thing is that they can interfere with daily functions and cause problems in continuing with a normal life.
2. Dealing with different symptoms post infection
Because the symptoms of Covid-19 vary, these symptoms need to be treated and treated depending on the type and severity you have. While some may slowly over time, some symptoms can demand acute attention from day one.
If you have breathing problems such as chest pain, have shortness of breath, or have difficulty breathing, you may need to prepare yourself for some changes to your routine. Some respiratory symptoms can cause stress on the body and take a long time to recover.
Since oxygen saturation is a common complication associated with Covid-19, many patients are often advised to use medical equipment such as nebulizers, oxygen concentrators and cylinders to overcome the shortage.
3. Be prepared for long-term care
Heart problems, which can occur when there is a sufficiently deficient heart valve or blood clots can worsen over the years. Hence, long-term treatment and prevention methods may need to be applied.
4. Prepare for fatigue
Fatigue is also a matter of concern. Remember, your body just fought a major infection. So, try not to push yourself and take the time to recover, no matter how long it takes or how difficult it may seem.
Another thing to note is that Covid-19 also destroys immunity to some extent and makes us vulnerable to chronic diseases. Protect yourself with all prevention strategies such as a clean and healthy lifestyle.
5. Continue to follow the existing medications and treatments
Although the viral load may have gone away, it is very important to keep track of your vital signs while you are recovering. Follow up on doctor’s appointments, but take medication on time and any precautions the expert recommends.
If you have comorbidities of any kind, you may need to change or change some medications. Diabetes patients report spike / drop in blood sugar levels after recovery and BP levels may remain unstable.
Lastly remember to do regular scans and check-ups, which may have been suggested. Even if you feel better, the virus often causes silent damage to the body and can cause problems over time. Checks are very important to prevent this from happening.
6. Diet or exercise in moderation
Now more than ever have to spend time concentrating on getting to normal health and strengthening immunity. Following the doctor’s dietary advice will help with this.
Make sure you are consuming a rich source of the essential nutrient groups such as vitamins C, D, B12, zinc and abundant protein. This will help the body recover faster. In addition, this consumption also makes the body’s metabolism easier.
If you were following a special diet or meal plan before Covid-19, take a break. The only focus is on assessing the many nutrient-rich foods at this time. Extreme weight loss can also be a side effect after fighting a viral infection.
At the same time, don’t force yourself to go into extreme training immediately after recovery. Do physical exercises that are easy but still make your heart rate work faster and slowly. Give your body the time it needs to recover first.
7. When should people go to the doctor?
While most symptoms can be managed well, it is also important to be aware of any major or unexpected symptoms that could be a cause for concern during the ongoing recovery period.
Health problems like strokes and lung problems can arise out of nowhere. In addition, immediately see a doctor if you experience extreme shortness of breath, chest pain, pressure around the heart, fever for more than 10 days, loss of sensation in any part of the body.
8. Make time for mental health
Lastly, fighting Covid-19 even after making a healthy recovery can be impractical if there is a lot of mental stress being experienced. A changed quality of life may be difficult for some people to accept.
Some of them may also need help completing mundane tasks that they could previously do with ease. Things like this of course can drain your mental health.
If so, you should consider seeking help or support for managing physical as well as psychological symptoms. There are many online and offline support groups helping Covid-19 survivors on their way to recovery.
As you recover, also make room for mindful practices such as yoga and meditation. These practices not only relieve stress and anxiety but also aid in faster healing.
Source: Bisnis.com
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