Duration of Persistence for Post-COVID Symptoms: How Long Do They Last?
Long COVID, a condition characterised by lingering symptoms following recovery from COVID-19, has become a growing concern. Here's what we know so far about this condition.
Current reports suggest that those with long COVID may experience symptoms for six months or more. However, there are no larger-scale trials that support an effective long COVID treatment at present.
Research indicates that having more than five COVID symptoms can increase the risk of developing long COVID. It's also worth noting that the severity of the initial COVID-19 case does not seem to directly affect the likelihood of experiencing long COVID.
One factor that might influence the duration of long COVID symptoms is the severity of the initial infection, whether it's mild or severe. Other factors include immune system defects or autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances after infection, microbiome disturbances in the gut, pre-existing psychosomatic conditions, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and chemical exposures. Additionally, menstrual cycle changes can worsen or interact with long COVID symptoms, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), a characteristic fatigue worsening after exertion, is a central feature linked to muscle involvement and not yet fully understood biologically.
Losing the sense of smell during a COVID-19 infection may also increase the likelihood of experiencing long COVID. However, researchers need to conduct more studies about how long symptoms of long COVID last and why some people experience it.
If you think you may be experiencing long COVID symptoms, it's crucial to talk with a doctor about possible treatments. Healthcare professionals recommend treatments for long COVID to help relieve symptoms, such as therapy or counseling, medications for lung function and headaches, physical therapy, monitored exercise programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
It's essential to note that knowing exactly how long long COVID symptoms will last can be difficult due to their fluctuation. If symptoms are interfering with daily life, it's recommended to talk with a healthcare professional for testing and potential treatment.
Lastly, it's important to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing potential life-threatening symptoms of long COVID, such as thoughts of self-harm, acute confusion, difficulty with balance, or severe shortness of breath.
While more research is needed to fully understand long COVID, staying informed and seeking medical advice can help manage its impact on your health.
