Long COVID: Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction

The article discusses long COVID, a condition where symptoms of COVID-19 persist for more than 12 weeks after the infection. It affects both adults and children.

Symptoms

Post COVID-19 condition affects everyone differently, and there have been reports of over 100 symptoms. The most common symptoms in adults are:

• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Shortness of breath
• General pain and discomfort
• Cognitive problems, such as memory loss and difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Mental health symptoms, such as anxiety and depression

The most common symptoms in children include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Sleep problems
• Shortness of breath
• Cognitive problems, such as lack of concentration and difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Muscle aches and joint pains

Treatment

There are currently no diagnostic tests or treatments for post COVID-19 condition. However, your healthcare provider may recommend or prescribe medications to support your recovery, such as:

• Antidepressants or other medications to cope with anxiety
• Blood thinners
• Cardiac medications
• Cough suppressants or expectorants for a long-lasting cough
• Pain medications
• Steroids

Conclusion

If you think you have long COVID, talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage your symptoms. Some provinces have opened clinics that provide care to people with post COVID-19 condition ¹.