Long Covid or Post-Acute Covid 19 (PACS) has been an insidious enemy since 2019. It continues to affect 10-20% middle-aged individuals primarily between the ages of 18-55 years old. It is a virus that, once infected, people continue to suffer from the symptoms long after the infectious or acute phase has passed.
1. Recognize Symptoms
Common symptoms of Long COVID may include:
Dyspnea or shortness of breath
"Brain fog" or cognitive dysfunction
Fatigue
Chest pain
Persistent cough
Coagulation abnormalities
Immune deregulation
Depression
2. Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider the following:
Contact your primary care physician or a healthcare provider.
Be prepared to discuss your COVID-19 history and current symptoms.
Ask about specialized Long COVID clinics, if available in your area.
3. Prepare for Your Visit
To make the most of your healthcare appointment:
Keep a symptom diary to track your experiences.
List any medications you are taking.
Prepare questions to ask your healthcare provider.
Ways to Measure Health After Covid
Hand Grip Strength
6 Minute Walk Test
FEV1/FVC ratio
These metrics can be taken at your local Physical Therapist's office!
4. Explore Treatment Options
Treatment for Long COVID may involve:
Symptom management through medications.
Physical therapy for rehabilitation.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for mental health support.
Nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve overall health.
5. Follow-Up Care
Long COVID can require ongoing management, so:
Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your condition.
Stay informed about new research and treatment options.
Join support groups for additional resources and community support.
6. Advocate for Yourself
Remember that:
Your symptoms are valid, and it’s important to advocate for your health.
Seek second opinions if you feel your concerns are not being addressed.
Stay persistent in pursuing care until you find the support you need.
Long COVID is a complex condition, but with the right healthcare support, individuals can work towards recovery and improved quality of life.
Solutions
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews suggest a "combination of mind–body exercises with other mixed-type physical exercise programs" to ensure safe return to sport and exercise. This means activities that encourage functional movement, light load strength training, and breathwork can be key in rehabilitation for people with PACS.
Unfortunately, there is limited data regarding rehabiliation for outpatient settings. The symptoms for Long Covid continue to rear its ugly head when otherwise healthy individuals try to get back into climbing, running, or cardio exercises. We can only recognize signs and symptoms and talk to a rehab specialist about returning back to do doing what we love.
This post was written as a cursory explanation of long covid due to the lack of random controlled trials exploring specific treatment.
Citations
Fugazzaro S, Contri A, Esseroukh O, Kaleci S, Croci S, Massari M, Facciolongo NC, Besutti G, Iori M, Salvarani C, Costi S; Reggio Emilia COVID-19 Working Group. Rehabilitation Interventions for Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 24;19(9):5185. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095185. PMID: 35564579; PMCID: PMC9104923.
Zheng C, Chen XK, Sit CH, Liang X, Li MH, Ma AC, Wong SH. Effect of Physical Exercise-Based Rehabilitation on Long COVID: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2024 Jan 1;56(1):143-154. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003280. Epub 2023 Aug 17. PMID: 37586104.
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