Long Covid
There are many definitions of long Covid, this one seems the most accurate: ‘not recovering for several weeks or months following the start of symptoms that were suggestive of Covid, whether you have been tested or not’. This definition also must highlight a distinction between very sick people who have recovered to an extent and have been left with some impact of their severe sickness, versus those who have relatively mild sickness from the start but still have ongoing issues. There is no medical definition or list of symptoms that is shared by all patients.
Those affected describe it as a ‘constant cycle of disappointment, not just to the individual but also to the people around you, who so wish you better’.
‘Very bizarre disease-repeatedly battered for the first few months, followed by lesser episodes of continual fatigue in the subsequent four months.’
There are six cluster symptoms for Covid 19, a couple of which are associated with longer term symptoms. If you have a persistent cough, hoarse voice, headache, diarrhoea, shortness of breath and skipped meals in the first week you are two/three times more likely to get long term symptoms.
What are the Long Covid Symptoms?
Profound fatigue is the commonest symptom, with other symptoms being breathlessness muscle and body aches, chest heaviness or pressure, skin rashes, palpitations, fever, headache, diarrhoea and pins and needles. Some individuals have damage to their heart, lungs, kidneys and gut.
The most common feature is a feeling that you have recovered, then it hits you back again. 80% of people report of having clear days and bad days. People learn what brings on utter exhaustion and other symptoms and try to avoid these.
The body’s metabolism can be affected, and people struggle to control their blood sugars after developing diabetes as a result of Covid 19. The virus can result in abnormal clotting and damage to the network of our body’s circulatory system.
Early signs show changes to the brain structure, but this is still being investigated.
As well as the physical symptoms we must consider the mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and struggling to think clearly.
Who does Long Covid mostly affect?
According to the studies long Covid is twice as common in women as it is in men.
The uniqueness of this virus attacking the host and the different ways it alters the way the cells behave seem to be be giving people both severe infections and persistent symptoms unlike other viruses.
The argument for naturally obtained herd immunity as a solution to coronavirus pandemic has made a return. Allowing the virus to spread amount younger people who are less likely to die from Covid-19 could lead to devastating consequences with people around the world living with Long Covid.
Please contact us should you require any appointment 01245 377118
