Most frequently asked by patients affected by covid 19 , will I get better or worse ??
Yes, post covid conditions exist!For most people who get covid 19, symptoms get better within a few weeks. But some people those who got sick and went for hospital admission continued symptoms for longer time . On contrary , mild diseased patients who were home isolated did present with post covid conditions. Since covid 19 is a fairly new disease experts are still studying the possible long term effects.
“Acute covid -19”-- symptoms lasting up to 4 weeks after a person is infected. Most people with covid -19 do not have symptoms beyond this stage , but some do.
“ ONGOING SYMPTOMATIC COVID -19”- symptoms continue for 4 to 12 weeks after being infected. People who get severely ill during acute stage are more likely to have ongoing symptoms
“ POST COVID 19”- symptoms continued beyond 12 weeks after being infected. This is more common in people who were critically ill, who needed intensive care unit stay, put on ventilator (breathing machine),or any other breathing support.
WHICH SYMPTOMS MOST LIKELY TO PERISIST?
This is not same for everyone. SYMPTOMS which lasted beyond few weeks and observed among affected patients are:
fatigue ( feeling tired),
trouble breathing
chest discomfort
cough
loss of smell or taste
Headache
trouble eating and sleeping
runny nose
joint pain and muscle pain
dizziness on standing
SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS TOO;
BRAIN FOG(trouble concentrating ,remembering and thinking),
DEPRESSION, ANXIETY OR A CONDITION CALLED POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PSTD/)
WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY DOCTOR ?
Fatigue is common and can persist for a few weeks into recovery. But if you continue to have bothersome symptoms such as severe fatigue, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath after 2 to 3 weeks call your doctor and also call when u develop any new symptoms.
Treatment:
In general treatment is very symptomatic. Completely symptom based treatment and with some suggested tests by doctor.
IF you are tried , try to get plenty of rest.
Plan to do important tasks when u expect to have most energy specially mornings.
take breaks throughout the day if u feel tired, make sure you do not do too much at once.
plan your day such a way prioritise important tasks and daily activities , so you do not use more energy than you do.
To improve sleep hygiene go to bed at the same time, and stop looking at screens before bed and avoid alcohol and caffeine late in the day.
YOU MIGHT ALSO NEED :
Some breathing exercises to improve your lung function, to strengthen your lungs. Advised to be followed after consulting pulmonologist .
treatments for anxiety and depression from a psychiatrist. AND please don't shy away from consulting psychiatrist. Mental health is equally important.
Dietary changes, quitting smoking.
Lastly, its impossible to know who will recover quickly, who will have persistent symptoms. always advised to show a specialist and treated.
Multiorgan involvement is seen in many cases. it might not be severe don't hesitate to consult a specialist in medicine to get it checked.
EXPERTS IN OUR COUNTRY AND AROUNDTHE WORLD STILL WORKING ON THIS DISEASE TO FIND OUT LONGTERM EFFECTS. SO PLEASE KEEP PATIENCE AND FOLLOW ALL COVID PRECAUTIONS STRICTLY.
