Mild or moderate, Covid can last around two weeks for most people. For others, the effects of Covid can last even longer, causing continuous health problems for months after.
The National Centre for Health Statistics reports that 1 in 13 adults have Long Covid symptoms, that have lasted three or more months after contracting the virus.
What is Long Covid and what are the symptoms?
Long Covid involves a variety of new or ongoing symptoms that people experience for more than a month after getting Covid-19. A magnitude of symptoms has been uncovered for long-covid. For most, many of the respiratory symptoms that present when contracting Covid diminish after the first two weeks of contracting the virus. Some symptoms can continue creating physical and psychological health problems including:
· Increased fatigue
· Brain fog
· Persistent cough
· Fever
· Chest pain
· Joint or muscle pain
· Heart symptoms such as chest pain
· Digestive symptoms including diarrhoea and stomach pain
· Blood clots and blood vessel issues
· Difficulties sleeping
· Functional disabilities
· Dementia
· Epilepsy
· Seizures
· Depression or anxiety
The symptoms of Long Covid are creating huge challenges for people in completing their daily tasks. A new diagnosis of psychological disorders shows that symptoms can remain more common for as much as two years after having the Covid infection. In the UK Long covid has been ruled a disability, due to the long-term and adverse effects it is having on people’s lives.
Who is at risk of Long Covid?
Anyone is vulnerable to experiencing Long Covid symptoms. The symptoms have been reported more in those who had Covid more severe or who haven’t been vaccinated. Due to having long-term symptoms of Covid, it will be difficult to know if you have contracted the virus again, so it’s important to take regular lateral flow tests as a precaution.
Why does Covid cause ongoing problems?
Those who suffered from severe Covid could have been exposed to internal damage. For example, those who experienced organ damage whilst having Covid may have heart, kidney, brain, or skin problems as a result. Immune systems may have been placed under major stress through inflammation when contracting the virus, which has then created further health problems down the line.
Severe Covid symptoms which caused patients to be placed under medical care or in intensive care units could have resulted in extreme ongoing mental health problems or resulted in post-traumatic stress.
What should you do if you have Long Covid?
If you think you have symptoms of Long Covid you should consult with a Health Practitioner. It’s important to record everything from when your symptoms started, when they got worse, how often you experience them and how it affects your daily activities.
An assessment might be carried out to investigate symptoms and help rule out any conditions or issues. The tests could include, blood and heart rate tests, taking your blood pressure, chest x-ray etc. Depending on your symptoms your Health Practitioner will determine which physical or emotional recovery is best suited for you.
Long Covid in the workplace
Employers should be aware of the effects of Long Covid and how it can affect others completely differently. Support should be given to any employees who are suffering from Long Covid.
Continued testing
It is still important to continue testing to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The number of cases is rising, making it more important than ever to ensure a Covid-free place in your workplace, to keep operations moving and your employees safe. If you are in need of lateral flow tests to ensure you don’t have Covid, our friendly team will be more than happy to help. Get in touch!
