More than 50 per cent of COVID survivors experience symptoms up to 6 months post-recovery: Study

Around 236 million people have recovered from the novel coronavirus infection worldwide since December 2019. More than half of these people will experience post-covid symptoms also known as long covid up to six months after recovering, says a large study.

These long covid symptoms include tiredness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, pain in joints and loss of smell and taste.

Read more: Covaxin approved for use in children: When can kids actually expect to get the COVID-19 vaccine? What does emergency use authorisation mean?

The study was conducted by a research team from Pennsylvania State University in the US. The researchers examined 57 glocal studies that involved 250, 351 unvaccinated people who recovered from the COVID-19 infection between December 2019 through March 2021.

The results of the study showed that adults and children both can experience adverse health issues for six months or even longer after recovering from COVID-19 infection.

The complications affect a patient's general well-being, mobility or organ systems. While overall, one in two survivors, which is 50 per cent suffer from long-covid symptoms.

These people reported weight loss, fatigue, fever, pain and one in five survivors experienced a decrease in mobility.

Six in ten survivors had chest imaging abnormality and a quarter of the patients had breathing difficulties. Chest pain and palpitations were also among the commonly reported conditions.

And one five patients experienced rashes or hair loss.

Loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea were also some commonly reported digestive issues.

The battle with COVID does not end after recovery from acute infection. Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting infected from covid and reducing your chances of breakthrough infections.

The mechanism behind these lingering symptoms is not yet fully understood. Researchers believe that an immune-system overdrive triggered by the virus, lingering infection, reinfection or increase in the production of antibodies can be the reason.

Early intervention is critical to improving the quality of life for many COVID-19 survivors. It is being said that in years ahead, health care providers will likely see an influx of patients with psychiatric and cognitive problems, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, in people who were otherwise healthy (before getting infected with COVID-19).

Managing fatigue and breathlessness

Do not exert yourself and slowly get back to work and your normal routine. Do not perform tasks that will strain you. Prioritise work in that part of the day when you have the most energy.

Perform lung-strengthening, breathing exercises and yoga asanas. Do not do an activity that makes you strained and tired.

Alleviate symptoms like aches and pain

Inflammation caused by the virus can persist for some weeks. These symptoms can be managed by using a warm/cold compress.

Managing brain fog and memory issues

It is said that viral infection can impact the brain, it can also lead to a lot of cognitive and memory issues. These are temporary.

Meanwhile, you can start to note down things, which are important and you cannot afford to miss. Break down and prioritize tasks.

Getting your sense of smell and taste back

Most people get back their sense of taste and smell back in 6-8 weeks. You can try smell training and aromatherapy to get your sense of smell back.

Tip

Post-COVID screenings, doctor checkups and tests are also helpful to ascertain your health and get the proper care. A good diet is a must for a speedy recovery.

With inputs from IANS