Long COVID: People are still recovering from the aftermath of COVID-19. While some have recovered, some continue to suffer from the effects of COVID that don’t seem to be coming to an end.
Do you feel out of breath or tired too often for too long? have you ever hired COVID-19? In that case, these could be telltale signs of prolonged COVID. India has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. With the flu season going on, especially after drastic weather changes, people are getting more viral infections. H3N2 influenza has been the most recent subtype of influenza virus that has been driving the increase in influenza viral infection. SARS-CoV and H3N2 are respiratory infections that affect the lungs. While we are no longer in a lockdown-like condition as we were during the pandemic, people are still recovering from the effects of COVID-19. While some were affected by this infection, many faced severe symptoms. In the midst of all this, another term like ‘long covid‘. heard of, right? What exactly is Long COVID? What are its symptoms and effects? Do we need more vaccine shots for this?
With all these looming questions, let’s understand what the experts have to say about it.
What is long COVID?
Prolonged COVID refers to a condition in which patients experience persistent symptoms of COVID-19 long after the acute infection has resolved. Some patients may continue to experience symptoms for several weeks, months or even years after the initial infection, said Dr. Gurmeet Singh Chhabra, Director and HOD, Department of Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad NCR speaking to india.com.
In some cases, the symptoms may get better and then come back. Prolonged COVID can occur even in patients who had mild or asymptomatic COVID. While the exact cause of long-term COVID is not yet fully understood, it is believed to be related to the body’s immune response to the virus.
These symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- brain fog
- difficult to focus
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- joint pain
- anxiety and depression
Largo COVID: How does it affect the body?
The effects of prolonged COVID can be very varied and affect different parts of the body. In addition to the physical symptoms, as already mentioned, long-term COVID can also have effects on mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Some patients have reported difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Additional symptoms of Long COVID may include cardiovascular or heart-related conditions and symptoms, such as chest pain and fast or irregular heartbeat, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach pain and diarrhea. It is important to note that the effects of prolonged COVID can vary widely between people and that more research is needed to fully understand the condition.
Do we need additional vaccinations?
“The need for additional vaccines is still being studied and debated among public health experts. Some studies have suggested that booster vaccinations may be necessary to maintain protection against COVID-19 over time, especially as new variants emerge,” said Dr. Chhabra.
However, other experts have argued that current vaccines still provide strong protection against serious illness and hospitalization, and that most people may not need additional shots. Elderly patients over 60 years of age, diabetic, immunocompromised and cancer patients, those with lung, kidney, chronic liver, cardiovascular, CAD and stroke patients, obese people, tuberculosis patients active are at increased risk of developing severe disease and may require hospitalization.
Dr. Chhabra added that it is strongly recommended that those who have not received their primary or booster vaccines against covid take it after consulting their doctor, as currently available covid vaccines would still help protect against covid conditions. server.
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