Long COVID - Is There a Cure?

What Is Long COVID?

Coronaviruses are responsible for causing respiratory illness in humans. SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus strain, was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It has been widely spread to different countries on the planet. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, called COVID-19, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.

Coronaviruses may live in animals such as bats, camels, and cats but do not infect them. They can spread to other animal species from these animals, and may undergo mutation as they do so. As a consequence of this mutation ability, the virus is eventually able to infect humans as well. The first people infected with SARS-CoV-19 likely contracted the virus at a food market where meat, fish, and live animals were sold.

The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, enters the body via the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus enters directly in the form of airborne droplets or when the hands contact the face. It then moves to the back of the nasal passages and the mucus membrane in the throat. It attaches to the cells, multiplies, and moves into the lung tissue. The virus can then spread to other parts of the body. Long COVID refers to the combined signs and symptoms that persist for several weeks or months after a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Long COVID refers to the effects of COVID-19 that last for weeks or months after the initial illness.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines long COVID as symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks, though some people consider symptoms that last longer than eight weeks to be long COVID. The definition of long COVID by the World Health Organization (WHO) is "typically three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis."

What Effect Does COVID Have on the Lungs?

COVID-19 can result in lung complications such as pneumonia and, in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Another possible complication of COVID-19 is sepsis, which can cause long-term damage to the lungs and other organs. Newer coronavirus variants may also cause more airway diseases, such as bronchitis, which may necessitate hospitalization.

The reports in the European Respiratory Journal show that post-COVID lung disease has three distinct subtypes or subgroups that may require separate and distinct management. Long-term multi-organ symptoms and complications from COVID-19 infection are a growing public health concern. Residual organ damage after COVID-19 can range from minor abnormalities to major lung diseases. According to the researchers, histological examination of lung tissue can reveal unusual morpho-phenotypic changes that can aid clinicians in understanding pathogenic mechanisms and providing appropriate therapy.

What Are the Symptoms of Long COVID?

If a person has had coronavirus, they may experience symptoms that last for weeks or months. These are some examples:

• Breathlessness.

• Extreme exhaustion (fatigue).

• Memory and concentration issues (also known as "brain fog").

• A persistent cough.

Long COVID symptoms may also include:

• Sleeping difficulties (insomnia).

• Dizziness.

• Needles and pins.

• Joint discomfort.

• Chest pain or tightness, heart palpitations (these may require immediate investigation, so seek medical attention as soon as possible).

• Anxiety and depression.

• Earaches and tinnitus.

• Diarrhea, stomach aches, and loss of appetite.

• A fever, a cough, headaches, a sore throat, and changes in one's sense of smell or taste.

• Rashes.

Is There a Cure for Long COVID?

Unfortunately, there is no single treatment or medication that can be used to treat long COVID. Because everyone's experience is unique, it is critical to speak with the doctor about the symptoms. They can advise on how to manage them best and provide information on other resources. If long COVID is having a significant impact on a person’s life, they may be referred to a specialized rehabilitation service or a specialist who treats the symptoms. At-home remedies also help in managing the symptoms during recovery.

Is There Any Advice for Dealing With Long-Term COVID Symptoms?

Managing Fatigue and Shortness of Breath:

• Pacing oneself and planning what to do without overdoing it.

• Break down difficult tasks into smaller chunks and alternate easier and harder activities.

• Based on the energy levels, consider the best time of day to do certain activities.

• Frequent short rests are preferable to a few longer ones.

• Increase the exercise routine gradually. Begin with short walks or simple strength exercises, and increase the duration and intensity over time.

• When out of breath, lean forward on a walking stick or frame.

Increasing Happiness and Mental Health:

• Being gentle with oneself during the recovery by accepting that some days will be more difficult than others.

• Support from family and friends also makes a person happy.

• A daily routine can improve the mood and sense of security.

• Continuing to be active.

• Continuing to move will help release endorphins and improve the mood.

Tips for Dealing With Brain Fog, Memory Loss, or Difficulty Thinking:

Many people experience brain fog while recovering from long periods of COVID. They may struggle to focus or remember things, their thinking may be slower than usual, or they may feel fuzzy or forgetful. One can manage the symptoms of brain fog by doing the following:

• Making notes to help remember things, whether at work or at medical appointments.

• Making a clear plan before approaching any new or complicated problem or situation can be beneficial. Break it down into steps and double-check the plan.

• Indulge in exercises, especially the kind that causes one to breathe faster and feel warmer. Begin slowly, and do not overdo it. Before beginning a new exercise program, consult with the doctor.

Conclusion:

The duration of the illness is still being learned, and it varies from person to person. It is important to note that COVID-19's long-term effects are not unique; other viral illnesses can have long-term effects as well. It is common for those who require hospital treatment for the initial illness to last five months or more. There is mounting evidence that getting vaccinated can reduce long-term COVID in people who contracted the virus before being vaccinated.