Some individuals experience symptoms that persist post-Covid infection. These are known as long-Covid symptoms.
Studies show that many people with long Covid experience fatigue, muscle and joint pain, memory problems and low mood.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be worthwhile to visit your physician. They may refer you to a clinic where specialists can manage them more effectively.
Chest pain
Covid can sometimes cause chest pain. The pain typically affects an isolated area of the chest and makes breathing difficult; its intensity may fluctuate throughout the day. If this persists for more than 24 hours or you experience other cardiac-related issues or family history of them, consult your physician.
Long Covid symptoms may cause chest pain that is more intense than what was felt prior to infection, due to inflammation of chest muscles. This pain may be achy, sharp or burning in nature and feel as if a tight band were pressing down on either your lungs or heart – something which may be made worse with coughing, sneezing or deep breaths.
People diagnosed with long Covid often experience chronic fatigue that lasts beyond recovery from illness. This fatigue can make previously effortless tasks such as climbing stairs or working at home tiring or exhausting; sleeping issues may develop, making concentration difficult or difficulty sleeping all-together impossible.
Sore throats are another frequent symptom of long Covid infections, as a signal that your body is working hard to get rid of the virus. According to some medical professionals, Omicron variants of Covid virus may be more likely to cause sore throat symptoms due to its greater impact on upper respiratory tract health.
Additional symptoms that could accompany a sore throat include nausea, diarrhea and stomach aches. According to the CDC, these could indicate worsening of your condition and should prompt medical assistance immediately.
Long Covid can lead to life-threatening blood clots in the lung, as well as breathing difficulties, numb or blue faces, persistent coughing and fever; doctors may refer you to a specialist if this complication arises.
Palpitations
If you experience heart palpitations, rapid heart rate or chest pain after covid, this could be a telltale sign that your heart has suffered some damage. But these symptoms could also be the result of dehydration, stress or anxiety or exercise – so no need to panic if these signs don’t last long and there hasn’t been previous heart-related health problems in the past.
But if these symptoms continue, it’s worth consulting your physician to see if they’re related to your infection. Some people have experienced these symptoms for months or even years after becoming infected with Covid. These could be related to issues with your autonomic nervous system governing things like your blood pressure or heart rate; this condition is known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Heart palpitations is a condition in which your heart beats too rapidly when upright or sitting up, creating a discomfort in your chest, throat or neck that lasts several minutes or hours and may include additional symptoms like fatigue or difficulty breathing.
Dr Singh reports that in his experience, these symptoms are usually short-term: They usually resolve within weeks or months; although why some people experience them for so long is unclear.
Your immune system could also have been involved, possibly damaging heart cells that cause your rapid heartbeat, as well as having genetic predisposition to these symptoms that increases their chances even once the virus has subsided.
After having COVID-19 for an extended period, it’s wise to pay attention to any health concerns that interfere with your quality of life. Any symptoms which make you uncomfortable or out of breath, cause chest pain, blue lips or alter energy levels should be evaluated by a specialist such as a cardiologist so they can determine if any lasting damage has occurred and offer advice on how best to manage it.
Changes in your heart rate
Some infected with the virus don’t experience any symptoms at all (which doctors refer to as being “asymptomatic”), while others might develop more serious ones – like difficulty breathing – more likely occurring among older adults and people living with chronic health conditions.
COVID-19 can be spread via large respiratory droplets (such as sneezes and coughs) or small liquid particles called aerosols that can be inhaled into the lungs, as well as contact with infected objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches or faucets. Symptoms typically start showing two to 14 days post exposure to COVID-19; rest, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter medicines can usually help relieve most symptoms; for severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing seek medical assistance immediately.
Vaccination and stronger immunity have helped limit cases of Covid, but an outbreak remains. Some symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, aches and pains, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
It is normal for symptoms to last several weeks or even months before finally disappearing, with periods of relief followed by another wave of persistent issues such as rapid heart rate or exercise intolerance that resurface. Some individuals may also suffer from ongoing issues like rapid heart rate or exercise intolerance that do not resolve quickly or completely.
Many patients are being discharged from hospital care; those still exhibiting serious symptoms should stay home and isolate themselves until instructed by their healthcare provider that it is safe for them to return to school or work. As this virus can be spread through direct contact, it’s crucial that close contact between people be avoided as much as possible. Hand washing for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom or eating can also help protect you. Make sure you wash them after blowing or coughing into them too! Hand sanitizer can also be helpful. Furthermore, to demonstrate good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing into a tissue or flexed elbow instead of into the air and covering your mouth when speaking is essential. And be sure to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces both at home and public locations.
Fatigue
After a poor night’s rest, everyone can experience feelings of fatigue that will not damage their health over time. Fatigue related to covid may be more intense and make everyday tasks such as walking up the stairs more challenging or remembering things harder; some describe this state as having “brain fog.”
Some individuals experience fatigue combined with symptoms including muscle aches, fever and chills. Although symptoms typically diminish over time after becoming infected with the virus, they can remain present for weeks post infection. Some may also report experiencing loss of taste and smell although this occurrence is less prevalent now than at earlier points during pandemics.
Every patient experiences post-covid fatigue differently. Some may feel exhausted, nauseous, weak, unmotivated and that this feeling comes and goes throughout their day – while for others, exercise or work-related activities worsen it further.
One thing all patients can agree upon is that fatigue doesn’t go away with restful sleep alone. It’s as though your battery has reached its maximum charge level and cannot be recharged; therefore, it is crucial that you pace yourself and maintain an activity diary to identify when a break may be necessary.
Covid fatigue may also be compounded by medication or health conditions such as low iron stores, thyroid disorder, anemia or hepatitis. Therefore, it’s wise to see your physician and get blood tests conducted to rule out such issues and ensure your overall wellbeing is at its optimal state.
Healthcare professionals can be invaluable resources in managing symptoms and returning to a healthy level of activity. Physical therapists or occupational therapists, for instance, may offer strategies to combat fatigue. Pacing plans will be discussed along with any health conditions like diabetes or heart disease which might contribute to it; lifestyle issues might also be discussed if fatigue persists.