COVID Symptoms
Since the start of the pandemic, millions have battled COVID-19, but for many, the battle doesn’t end with a negative test. Long COVID Symptoms — a set of lasting health issues — continue to affect approximately 6% of symptomatic COVID-19 patients, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These symptoms, often called Post-COVID Syndrome, persist for weeks or months after the initial infection and can impact multiple systems in the body.
Dr. Braden Kuo, a neurogastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, states, “COVID can lead to lasting, sometimes invisible changes due to widespread inflammation that, in some cases, persists long after the virus is gone.”
What Are Long COVID Symptoms?
Long COVID symptoms are a mix of persistent or new health problems that occur weeks or months following the resolution of the acute phase of COVID-19. These symptoms are very diverse but often consist of:
• Persistent headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Brain fog and memory problems
• Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea or abdominal pain
How Vaccination Reduces the Risk of Long COVID 19 Symptoms
WHO reports emphasize that people vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to develop Long COVID 19 Symptoms. Vaccination lowers the intensity of the initial infection and thus the risk of long-term complications. Nevertheless, vaccination levels among at-risk populations such as older adults and healthcare workers remain low in most countries, curtailing the full potential of this shielding effect.
Why Do Long COVID Symptoms Persist? The Role of Inflammation
The underlying cause of most Long COVID Symptoms seems to be chronic inflammation caused by the virus. Inflammation is, of course, a normal immune response, but in some individuals, it becomes a “slow burn” that injures multiple tissues such as the lungs, brain, heart, and gut. Ongoing viral fragments and immune dysregulation could be causing this chronic inflammation, according to experts.
Managing and Recovering From Long COVID Symptoms
Effective management of Long COVID 19 Symptom involves a holistic approach:
Medical assessments to monitor lung, heart, and neurological health.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for breathing difficulties.
Cognitive therapy and mental health support to address brain fog, anxiety, and depression.
Nutrition and gut health strategies to manage digestive symptoms.
Although some treatments like Paxlovid show promise, research on therapies for Long COVID 19 Symptoms is ongoing.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
Long COVID Symptom are a significant global health challenge affecting millions, with symptoms ranging from chronic headaches to severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems. As the WHO continues to monitor the situation, understanding these symptoms is critical for patients and healthcare providers alike. If you experience lingering symptom after COVID-19, early medical consultation can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
FAQs About Long COVID
Q1: How long do Long COVID 19 last?
Symptoms can last several months to years, varying by individual and symptom type.
Q2: Can Long COVID affect people with mild initial infections?
Yes, even mild or asymptomatic cases can lead to Post-COVID Syndrome.
Q3: What specialists treat Long COVID?
Pulmonologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and rehabilitation therapists commonly help manage symptoms.
Refences
- World Health Organization, COVID-19 Global Risk Assessment, December 2024
- The New York Times, “A Clearer Picture of Covid’s Lasting Effects,” March 2025
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