What Is Post COVID Care?
Many COVID patients recover within a period of weeks, but few patients experience the long-term effects of Coronavirus infection. These symptoms are due to the effect of the virus on multiple organs of the body. The severity of coronavirus infection is related to the extent of damage to organs. So recovery of these patients may take six to eight months for a complete cure. Till that time, patients continue to experience symptoms even after their initial recovery. These patients are also called "long haulers" or long COVID-19.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19?
The COVID-19 infection damages the heart, lungs, and brain to a greater extent. Along with these significant organ involvements, some other symptoms linger over a long period of time. They are-
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Difficulty in breathing.
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Weakness.
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Bodyache.
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Cough Joint pain.
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Chest pain.
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Difficulty in concentration.
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Dizziness.
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Fever
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Taste sensation.
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Mood swings.
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Fatigue.
Why Is Post COVID Care Necessary?
Coronavirus can cause a lot of damage to the human body. In the mild form, the virus may not affect the lungs to an extent, but after COVID, it may trigger other health issues. This is because of lowered immunity of that infected individual after the fight with Coronavirus infection for so many days. So we are coming to know about the causes of health deterioration even after a successful recovery from COVID-19.
After recovering from the Coronavirus disease, patients may feel weak and lethargic, which is quite normal because a major amount of energy is lost in the battle with the dangerous Coronavirus. So one has to take care of your body, nourish your body, and be sure that your body is completely healed.
Now, although the virus is not there in your body, the fight is not over. So recovery after COVID is important. For mild cases, it takes around two weeks of time for recovery. After that, slowly, these people can get back to their routine work, but severe infection cases will take months together to recover entirely after COVID-19. As we all know that it is no longer a disease affecting only the lungs, multiple organs are also involved. So it is very important to follow a proper diet schedule and lifestyle modification as a post COVID care.
Why Is a Health Guide Necessary Post COVID?
The recent studies during the post COVID recovery phase show a significant rise in the number of:
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Acute heart attack cases.
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Stroke cases.
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Pulmonary embolism cases.
COVID-19 infection is the reason for being in a hypercoagulable state. So, the following is the complete health guide for post-COVID care.
a) Rest:
Do not resume immediately to your old lifestyle after the disappearance of symptoms, give at least one week time for your body to recover, as during rest, the body can concentrate fully on recovery. When you sleep, your body goes into recovery, and while in sleep, there is a speedy recovery. Too hectic schedule, stress, and anxiety will again decrease the stamina of your body and make you ill. But make sure you are not bedridden.
b) Diet:
To restore your body from a significant amount of damage because of infection, you need to take the right diet in adequate quantities. A proper nutritious diet eases the path of recovery. Therefore, one should take small diet after a specific interval of time. Large meal should be avoided for easy digestion.
- Water - Adequate hydration is necessary. One should drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.
- Fruits - Your diet should include at least one fruit daily. Patients with severe dry cough and sore throat are preferably given warm and soft food.
- Protein - Solid food intake should be decreased. A diet which is rich in protein is good. As we all know, the body is damaged during infection, so here protein plays an important role in the repair of damage caused. So a high protein diet is necessary, such as:
- Lentils.
- Legumes.
- Seeds.
- Nuts.
The amount of protein must be adjusted as per the individual's physical activity level and digestive tolerance.
- Carbohydrate - Carbohydrate intake should not exceed 100 to 150 grams per day, as it produces carbon dioxide, which may become the cause of respiratory distress. For the diabetic patient, the quantity of carbohydrate intake should be closely monitored as persistent high glucose levels must be the reason for the infection to regrow or may be the cause of delayed healing or recovery.
- Fat - Fat plays a major role in the maintenance of immune response. They reduce inflammation. Fat also maintains calories. A fatty diet includes the use of
- Coconut oil.
- Butter.
- Ghee.
- Nuts.
- Olive oil.
- Rice bran oil.
- Groundnut oil.
- Vitamins and Minerals - Adequate emphasis should be given on supplements containing:
- Vitamin B.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin D.
- Zinc.
- Selenium.
- Immune Nutrients- These are the specific nutrients that have a specific influence on immune function and help in recovery. Immunonutrients that support immune as well as digestive function are:
- Arginine.
- Glutamine.
- Curcumin.
- Probiotics - These help in restoring the gut bacteria and helps in boosting up immunity. Because of infection and a heavy dose of antibiotics, there will be an alteration of gut bacteria that needs to be restored. Probiotics must be prescribed by the doctor in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase.
- Fluids and Salts - Adequate fluid and electrolyte balance should be maintained. Even in the case of mild fever, there is fluid loss and leads to dehydration. In cardiac and kidney patients, the volume of fluid and electrolyte levels should be managed under the guidance of a physician.
c) Exercise:
After the fight with COVID virus infection, prolonged homestay, and reduced physical activity, may lead to reduced muscle mass. Once the patient does not have coronavirus infection, the physician will give clearance, and as per the individual's tolerance, one should gradually exercise. Initially, one should start with a simple stretching exercise under guidance for balance control and for strengthening the body. Although it is unappealing, a little bit of exercise every day will be helpful for a speedy recovery. Ten minutes of your favorite exercise every day will be sufficient. Exercise will help to produce a happiness hormone in the brain, which will help lift your confidence and spirit. Exercise improves oxygen and blood circulation in your body which acts as detoxification.
d) Memory Games:
In coronavirus infection, there is a loss of concentration because of damage to neural cells. Moreover, to engage ourselves from getting tense, better you start playing a few memory games such as sudoku, jigsaw, etc.
e) Monitor Your Blood Oxygen Level:
Although you have recovered from the coronavirus infection, continue to monitor your blood oxygen level, and if your oxygen level drops below 90, then you need to visit the doctor immediately.
f) Keep a Close Watch on Other Symptoms:
You have to be alert with minor symptoms even though you have recovered from COVID-19.
Conclusion:
After starting exercise or while doing daily routine activities, if you feel shortness of breath, chest pain, or chest fullness, then you need to visit a doctor right away. Post-COVID care is important as COVID has a long-term effect on your health. Post-COVID sequelae are commonly seen to increase morbidity and mortality. Hence post-COVID care is also equally important.
