Covid 19

Long COVID and the Lingering Effects of COVID-19

When we first heard about COVID-19, the world became a scary place. It was like a futuristic sci-fi movie with an unbelievable plot. If someone wrote a screenplay where the whole world would be forced to shut down, and we would all have to stay indoors, far away from everyone, including our friends and family, it would be tossed in the trash. It's too far-fetched! Who would ever believe it?  

And yet...we lived it!  

Initially, we didn’t know much except that this virus could attack the respiratory system in a deadly way. As we watched the news, we all feared losing our senses of taste and smell because those symptoms seemed the first sign of contracting this horrible illness.   

You were there; I don't have to tell you what happened next.  

So, fast forward to 2023, and now there is something else that we have learned. Researchers found that the virus can have long-term effects and attack the brain and nervous system in a debilitating way. That was when we first started hearing the term 'Long Covid,' also known as 'SARS-C0V-2'.   

As if COVID-19 and the next possible mutation weren't enough to worry about!  

In July 2021, Long-COVID was included as a condition that could lead to a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. One of the biggest problems with diagnosing Long-COVID is that it is linked to over 200 symptoms, many of which mimic other health issues. This is why discussing any symptoms that linger for more than a month with your healthcare provider is important.   

Symptoms of Long COVID  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.5% of adults in the United States have lingering effects of COVID-19. That's one for every 13 people!  While long-term issues usually affect those who had a severe case, Long COVID does not discriminate and affects even those who only had a mild case of COVID-19.  

There's a long list of symptoms for Long COVID which can affect us physically, psychologically, and emotionally which include:   

• Fatigue  
• Anxiety  
• Tremors  
• Seizures  
• Dizziness  
• Dementia  
• Chest pain  
• Depression   
• Sleep Issues   
• Memory loss  
• Mood swings  
• Digestive issues   
• Cognitive decline  
• Heart palpitations  
• Ringing in the ears  
• Shortness of breath  
• Muscle and joint pain  

While the causes of Long-COVID are not specifically known, the virus seems to attack the brain and cause inflammation. Researchers are still studying how the virus affects the body, specifically the brain and nervous system, and how to reverse any damage in these areas.   

What To Do   

If you have any symptoms mentioned above or issues that have lingered for weeks, talk to your doctor. As with any health condition, addressing it earlier rather than later can bring significant improvement. Until more is known about Long COVID, your doctor may address your symptoms individually.   

Common sense will also go a long way (pun intended). There are four easy ways to make your life healthier, which will directly affect your body and your mind. If you haven't lived by the following tips to gain better health and well-being, maybe seeing them one more time will help:  

1. Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet – The phrase "you are what you eat" should resonate in your mind every time you plan a meal. Don't treat your body like a trash can! Nourish it will good food and eliminate junk and processed foods.  
2. Sleep seven to eight hours each night – Speaking of phrases, here's another you've probably heard: "Get your beauty rest." Your body needs to rest, regenerate and revitalize. You can't be your best self without proper sleep.   
3. Exercise – You don't have to hit the gym every day or run a marathon. Take a walk, put on some music, and dance (go ahead, nobody's watching), or play with your kids. You will be amazed at what it will do for your mind and body!  
4. Stay away from toxic people - Believe it or not, the company you keep affects your health and well-being. Being around those who bring you down directly influences your mind and body.   

One More Thing 

With so many symptoms that can be identified with other ailments, some patients have found that their healthcare professionals dismiss them with an "it's all in your head" approach. Be persistent because only you know how you feel. The lyrics to the song "Unwritten" by artist Natasha Bedingfield have a line that I always think about in situations like this: "Feel the rain on your skin; no one else can feel it for you."  

HPFY carries many products that can help with symptoms of Long COVID.  

 

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