Covid-19

Have you Heard of Long COVID?

August 10, 2022

With over two years of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, the long-term impacts of COVID-19 are still largely unknown. It’s estimated that 20% of people who have previously tested positive may have long COVID. That’s one in five people that may be suffering from continued brain fog, fatigue, and other lasting symptoms.

Long COVID has gone under-diagnosed and treatment is still emerging through ongoing research to understand the disease.

Here are some important things you should know, according to the CDC:

We’re sure you have questions.

What is long COVID?

Long COVID is when symptoms from COVID-19 persist for longer than two months from initial infection or symptoms have been present for 3 months or more from testing positive for COVID-19. Long COVID can feel overwhelming, especially with information changing and being updated constantly.

What are the symptoms of long COVID?

Long COVID symptoms are any symptoms of COVID-19 that last longer than the original diagnosis.

Long COVID could mean you experience persistent fatigue or tiredness, headache, change in taste or smell, fast-beating heart, cough, or even joint pain. These are just some of the symptoms that could point to Long COVID.

Is this actually a disease?

Yes. It’s estimated that up to 40 million Americans are suffering from long COVID, a disease that lasts long after having a COVID-19 infection.

  

How does one get long COVID?

Medicine doesn’t yet know exactly why symptoms persist or develop after a COVID-19 infection. There is much research being done to understand how having a COVID-19 infection can lead to persistent symptoms in some people. The diagnosis of long COVID is one that your doctor may make after a careful review of your history and presenting symptoms and complaints. Doctors may also order certain tests or other studies to determine if what you are experiencing is from a COVID-19 infection or is caused by some other disease.

To speak to a long COVID specialist today, download the app to get connected.

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