Six Things You Need to Know About Long Covid

Long Covid conditions are defined by the CDC as a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems that people experience after first being infected with the coronavirus. Many people who receive Covid and recover often think they no longer experience the effects of the disease. However, that may not always be the case. Here are 6 things you should know about Long Covid, according to Dr. Melissa Clarke.

Most people with Covid tend to recover within a few days to a few weeks after first becoming infected. However, four weeks after the infection is usually when the effects of Post-Covid conditions can be identified.

There are more than 200 symptoms of long covid, that include diabetes, blood clots and nervous system issues like brain fog and memory issues. The most common ones are persistent cough and fatigue. Not all symptoms are consistent, so some may come and go.

Unfortunately, doctors frequently have a difficult time diagnosing it and may have to resort to examining a patient’s medical history to conclude that their patient is experiencing Long Covid.

Any person who had Covid is at risk of developing Long Covid. Dr. Clark compares it to the game Russian Roulette:

“We don’t know who is going to develop it after having a Covid infection. Anyone, even those who have mild symptoms, as well as children, can in fact develop Post-Covid symptoms.”

In addition, everyone who catches Covid will not necessarily develop Long Covid symptoms. However, the more exposure you have to Covid, the more likely you are to acquire Long Covid.

Evidence shows that people who get diagnosed with Covid but are vaccinated (which is called a breakthrough infection) are less likely to report post-Covid conditions compared to unvaccinated people. Getting vaccinated is your best chance at not developing Long Covid.

Keep in mind that Long Covid is a serious condition that is still being observed daily by scientists. The best way to find care for Long Covid is at a post-Covid care clinic.