Dealing with Long COVID - November Voice 2022

Dealing with long COVID

It may be problematic, but there’s help

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 13 adults in the U.S. have what’s referred to as “long COVID” symptoms three or more months after they first contracted the virus.

The symptoms range from general fatigue to respiratory, heart, and/or neurological issues. The severity varies from person to person, but data suggests long COVID is keeping 16 million or more individuals out of work and generally having a negative impact on quality of life. The good news is that there is help for people with long COVID that can get them back to work and doing the things they love to do.

Long COVID can affect anyone who was infected with the virus. However, those most likely to have long COVID are individuals who experienced severe illness from the virus (including hospitalization), those with underlying health conditions prior to getting COVID, those who didn’t receive the COVID vaccine, and those who experience multisystem inflammatory syndrome during or after COVID.

One of the challenges of identifying and addressing this syndrome is that some people who get it didn’t even know they had COVID in the first place, and there is no test to diagnose long COVID.

In general, a diagnosis is made based on a history that includes a positive COVID test or exposure to the virus, symptoms reported/experienced and a physical exam. Long COVID symptoms may include:

■ Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life

■ Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and/or cough

■ Chest pain and/or pounding heart

■ Neurological issues such as difficulty thinking or concentrating, headache, sleep problems, dizziness, pins-and-needles feelings, and/or change in smell or taste

■ Diarrhea and/or stomach pain

■ Joint or muscle pain

■ Rash

Anyone who has any of these symptoms, even if they don’t think they have had COVID, should report these to their physician or other practitioner.

As unexplained symptoms may be misunderstood, so it’s important to seek guidance from practitioners who have experience working with COVID and understand the virus.

Professionals such as physiatrists — physicians who have completed training in the specialty field of physical medicine and rehabilitation — can diagnose long COVID, as well as design treatment protocols, prescribe medications and work with patients to minimize the impact of their symptoms and maximize their functioning and quality of life.

It is important to realize that there isn’t any one treatment for long COVID. The symptoms often involve several body systems at one time. Specialist such as physiatrists will develop customized treatment plans that address symptoms in all affected areas — including the nervous system, heart and lungs. They also can refer patients for psychological support to deal with mental health issues such as the depression and anxiety of dealing with the negative lingering impact of COVID.

Recovery from long COVID takes time and effort. But having the support and guidance of dedicated, experienced practitioners can help get people back to work and life as soon as possible.

Vasilike Sandas, M.D., is medical director at Encompass Health Van Matre.

The views expressed are those of Dr. Sandas and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.