The COVID-19 virus can incubate in humans
from 5 to 14
days, but the result of having COVID-19
can have longer
term consequences than most people
realise. Where
symptoms last beyond the 4-to-12-week
time frame, it is referred to as ‘long
COVID’, ‘long-haul COVID’, or
‘post-COVID syndrome’.
Common
Signs and
Symptoms
Ear,
Nose, and Throat (ENT)
ENT symptoms have always been a hallmark of
the COVID-19
virus. This still remains the case, and
while the
symptoms tend to overlap with the common
flu, they tend
to be more pronounced and chronic
in how they affect the individual. Those
afflicted can
expect to experience a range of symptoms
including
tinnitus (ringing in the ear), earache,
sore throat,
loss of taste and/or smell.
Respiratory
The respiratory element of the COVID-19 virus
is a common
occurrence in patients. This often
results in breathing
difficulties, and is often coupled with
a persistent
cough that does not abate. In
severe cases, regular oxygen use may be
necessary.
Cardiovascular
As respiratory factors have an effect on the
cardiovascular system, long haul
patients can expect to
experience chest tightness, chest pain,
and palpitations
(the sensation of your heart pounding
or racing). These are often more
prevalent in patients
with pre-existing conditions which are
diabetic,
respiratory or cardiovascular in nature.
Gastrointestinal
While nausea and diarrhea are common symptoms
present at
the onset of the COVID-19 infection,
they may carry on
in a mild to severe combination of
abdominal pain,
reduced appetite, and/or resulting
anorexia.
Neurological
As the long-haul symptoms take their toll on
the body,
neurological symptoms (associated with
the brain) may
set in as well. This may be mild or
severe and include
cognitive impairment (brain fog,
loss of concentration, memory loss),
headache, sleep
disturbance, peripheral neuropathy
symptoms (loss of
feeling in extremities), dizziness,
and/or delirium.
Muscular
Further associated with long-term illness,
patients may
experience muscular symptoms such as
joint pain, muscle
pain, or a general feeling of lethargy
for the duration
of the illness, and post-recovery.
This may occur in specific parts of the
body, or affect
the body in a more generalised manner.
Dermatological
Long haul COVID-19 may result in chronic or
permanent
skin problems such as skin rashes and
hives. There may
also be swelling in the fingers and toes
which is tender
to the touch and appears similar
to bruising. Other uncomfortable
symptoms include sores
on the lips and mouth. Both of these
latter conditions
often heal over time once the patient
recovers.
Managing Your Symptoms
Should you suffer from ‘long-haul
COVID’, ensure that you eat well and
drink plenty
of water during this time to aid in your
recovery.
Paracetamol (up to 1000 mg every 6
hours),
antihistamines (up to 3 times a day),
and cough syrup
(up to 3 times a day) are possible
methods of treating
the symptoms to ease your discomfort.
However, do
consult with your doctor prior to
consuming any new medication.
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