COVID-19 has affected us all in one way or another. Some people continue to see symptoms four weeks to six months after testing positive for COVID-19. Others recover from the worst COVID symptoms with a negative test result. There is no consistent reasoning for long haulers syndrome, but it can be a lengthy and hard battle. Here’s what you need to know about long haulers.
What Is Long Haulers Syndrome Post-COVID?
Long haulers syndrome is a post-COVID condition where the patient tests negative for COVID-19 but continues to experience the symptoms and impacts of the virus. This condition affects patients young and old. It can also affect those considered very healthy and those battling another condition. Some patients with long haulers syndrome have been hospitalized with very serious symptoms and others have had minimal and minor symptoms. This syndrome is known for lingering, sometimes for weeks up to many months.
What Causes Long Haulers Syndrome Post-COVID?
Long haulers syndrome is shown to happen to 10% of the patients infected by COVID-19. There is yet to be a clear link as to why some show lingering COVID-19 symptoms and test negative. We have found COVID-19 often affects those with another condition more seriously than someone who is very healthy. There is no way to prevent long haulers syndrome post-COVID and there is no way to tell the severity of symptoms.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Long Haulers Syndrome?
It isn’t uncommon to experience long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. With long haulers syndrome post-covid, a patient could experience symptoms for four weeks to six months after being infected by COVID-19. By having symptoms much longer than a typical patient infected by COVID-19 would, there is a good chance you may be affected long-term by the condition, depending on the severity of the symptoms you experienced.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19:
- Cognitive problems
- Difficulty breathing
- Concentration issues
- Fever
- Muscle aches and pains
- Depression
- Headaches
- Changes in your heartbeat
- Lung problems
- Heart inflammation
- Mental health struggles
- Shortness of breath
- Distorted smell or taste
- Kidney damage
- Nervous system and neurological issues
Some patients will have mild symptoms and others may experience more serious side effects and be hospitalized. Being aware of long haulers syndrome and contacting your doctor immediately is the best practice. Some treatment options include breathing exercises, physical therapy, and medication for a gradual recovery.
If you are experiencing long haulers syndrome after having COVID-19, perhaps it is time to ask your family doctor for a referral for a pulmonary consultation and breathing test. It is not consistent how COVID-19 could affect any given individual. Being a patient of long haulers post-COVID, you may consider reaching out to your doctor immediately to ensure you are recovering properly.