Long Covid occurs when an individual has Covid-19 symptoms for more than 12 weeks
Some people who get Covid-19 may end up with prolonged and persistent symptoms. Long Covid, also referred to as post-Covid syndrome, arises when a person experiences Covid-19 symptoms for more than 12 weeks – and if you’re suffering from it, there’s something doctors advise you should avoid.
Whilst it’s generally not life-threatening, Long Covid can still cause significant discomfort and can present a wide range of symptoms. NHS guidance highlights that different individuals can experience different symptoms whilst battling Long Covid.
Despite this, a wide variety of treatments are available for the condition, including physiotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and assistance with diet and nutrition to help manage symptoms. If you suspect you have Long Covid, it’s advised that you consult a GP who may decide to conduct several tests and inquire about your symptoms to provide you with a professional diagnosis, reports the Mirror.
Symptoms of Long Covid
- According to NHS guidance, symptoms of Long Covid can include:
- Problems with your memory and concentration, also called brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain and aching muscles
- Feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- Chest pain or tightness and noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
- Pins and needles, and aches and pains in different parts of your body
- A cough
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling or being sick, losing weight and not feeling like eating
- A high temperature
- Tummy pain and diarrhoea
- Losing your hair and getting skin rashes, such as hives
- Changes to your senses, such as problems with your vision, earaches, hearing ringing sounds inside your ear (tinnitus), and differences in your sense of smell or taste
- Headaches, feeling dizzy and vertigo
- Anxiety and depression
- Sudden confusion (delirium), especially in older people
If you’re suffering from long-Covid you may only experience some of the symptoms. Moreover, some symptoms may come and go, and you may develop new symptoms you previously didn’t have.
Avoiding physical activity
NHS guidance underscores that your symptoms could worsen if you’ve been under stress or if you’re more physically active. It further states that those grappling with long-Covid should “not start exercising again before talking to a GP or specialist”.
In a similar vein, research from the University of Leeds found that while physical activity may assist in recovering from long Covid, overexertion could result in ‘negative health consequences’.
The researchers emphasised: “The development of individualised physical activity programmes that could mitigate the negative health consequences of physical inactivity without worsening long COVID symptoms and facilitate a return to independence should be considered a clinical priority.”
If you’re concerned you might be suffering from long Covid and are unsure about your capacity to exercise, it’s generally advised to seek guidance from your GP or another healthcare professional.
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