Still tired after recovering from COVID? Let's talk about Long COVID (PASC)

Have you ever felt tired, short of breath, or just plain tired after recovering from COVID-19 for weeks or even months? It may not be just post-viral fatigue. Today we're talking about the long-term effects of COVID, a condition that many people are talking about these days.

What is this Long COVID?

Simply put, Long COVID refers to health problems that persist for a long time after you recover from COVID-19. Some people call it `long-haul COVID`, `post-COVID conditions (PCC)`, etc. In medical terms, it is also called `post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).`

These symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years. While some symptoms are similar to those of COVID, others are completely different. Consider this: Research has found that about one in five people with COVID will have symptoms for a month or more. Among those who are severe enough to require hospitalization, this number is more than 30%.

Why does Long COVID occur?

Doctors and scientists are still trying to figure out the exact cause, but there are a few main theories:

• Reactivation of the virus: It is possible that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 does not completely clear from the body, but later becomes active and causes symptoms.
• Immune system hyperactivity: When fighting the virus, our immune system becomes overactive, damaging the body's own healthy organs.
• Formation of autoantibodies: The immune system becomes confused due to infection and produces a type of antibody that attacks our own body's organs.
• All of these together: Perhaps one or more of these reasons are coming together to cause this situation.

Who is at higher risk of developing Long COVID?

The following people may be at slightly higher risk of developing Long COVID:

• People who are seriously ill with COVID: Especially if they had to be hospitalized.
• People with other medical conditions: If you have conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or autoimmune diseases.
• People with obesity.
• Those who have not received the Covid vaccine.
• People with MIS: If you develop a rare condition called `multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS)`, either during or after COVID-19. This is when multiple organs in the body (such as the heart, lungs, and brain) become inflamed, or swollen.
• Women: Some studies show that women are about 1.5 times more likely to develop Long COVID than men.
• People over 40 years old.

What are the main symptoms of Long COVID?

Long COVID affects everyone differently. There can be many symptoms. See if you have one or more of these.

If you have these symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor, as these symptoms can be very broad and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.

Do children also get Long COVID?

Yes, even young children and young adults can develop Long COVID. Sometimes, even a child who has not shown any major symptoms of COVID can develop this condition. Symptoms that children may experience include:

• Always tired
• Loss of interest in schoolwork and play
• Brain fog
• Heart palpitations
• Hair loss

As parents, you should be especially concerned if your child's heart rate increases abnormally or if they have difficulty breathing. In such cases, seek medical advice immediately.

How do you know exactly if you have Long COVID?

There is no specific test for Long COVID. Your doctor will look at whether you have COVID, what your symptoms are, how long they have been present, and whether there are other causes (e.g. other illnesses) that could be contributing to these symptoms. They may do tests like these:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• EKG (Electrocardiogram) test
• Exercise endurance tests

What are the treatments for Long COVID?

Since there is no specific cure for this condition, treatment is mainly focused on managing the symptoms. You may find relief by incorporating these habits into your lifestyle.

• Rest: Take short breaks throughout the day. Figure out when you have the most energy and plan your most important tasks for those times. Don't rush into a big project at once.
• Exercise: Exercise if you can. But start very carefully. Some people can experience symptoms after even the slightest exertion. This is called `post-exertional malaise (PEM).` So you can start with something simple like walking and gradually increase your intensity. Before starting any exercise, it is essential to talk to your doctor.
• Memory and attention: If you forget things, write them down on your phone or in a book. Try to minimize distractions while working.
• Mental health:It's normal to feel tired and anxious when you're constantly sick. Talk to your friends and family. If necessary, seek the help of a mental health counselor.

Can Long COVID be prevented?

The best way to prevent Long COVID is to avoid getting COVID-19 and to get fully vaccinated. Research has clearly shown that people who get vaccinated have a significantly reduced risk of developing Long COVID. It is also important to continue practicing good health habits, such as wearing a mask in public and washing your hands.