John R. Callen is the CEO and Managing Partner of MedRehab Alliance, LLC In the following article, John R. Callen discusses what long covid is, the symptoms, risks, and how medical professionals are learning how to deal with it.
The fallout from the pandemic is sure to reverberate across the world for years to come, but while it’s been over three years since Covid-19 struck, some are still suffering from the effects. It’s known as ‘long covid’, and the medical world is grappling with how to treat the symptoms of these long-term effects.
Long Covid Explained
John R. Callen explains that while most who are struck down by covid recover within a few weeks, for others, there is an array of symptoms that can last for many months, and in some cases years, after infection as doctors are learning.
Various symptoms of infection are mild, others so extreme they require admission to the intensive care unit of a hospital. John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance says that some long-term symptoms are extremely bizarre, which tend to leave doctors scratching their heads. Examples of long covid, or post-covid-19 syndrome symptoms, include:
- Lung damage
- Chronic fatigue
- Mental health problems
- Neurological issues
- Heart conditions
- Blood clots
- Menstrual interruption
- Rashes
- Swollen joints
- Loss of smell, or sense of smell is disrupted
Sufferers of long covid may experience one or several of these symptoms, to varying degrees. Milder symptoms are treated as a chronic irritation or a mildly annoying reminder of the earlier infection. John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance reports that other symptoms can be debilitating.
Those at Risk of Long Covid
While some symptoms persist in a small number of patients with no pre-existing conditions, most sufferers of long covid are those who already have underlying health problems.
John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance explains that those who endured a particularly severe case of the virus and were hospitalized, are also at risk of experiencing continuing symptoms long after their recovery. Severe covid cases have resulted in organ scarring on several major organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and even the brain.
There is also a correlation between long covid and health inequality. Studies have found that those in low-income areas with poor access to healthcare, along with those who work in certain jobs or industries, are at risk for developing symptoms and conditions related to post-covid-19 syndrome. Symptoms have been so prominently reported in these areas due to lack of insurance, and resistance to seek care for financial reasons.
How Long Covid Symptoms Can Be Managed
A lot depends on the severity of the long covid symptoms. For some, the loss of taste or smell they experienced during their bout of covid hasn’t returned after months or over a year.
Researchers at a number of renowned hospitals across the country have discovered that the loss of smell in patients may be due to an auto-immune response in the olfactory cells. For the cells that cannot repair themselves, treatments are being developed and the clue may lie in managing how the body attacks itself during auto-immune episodes.
John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance reports that others may suffer from persistent fatigue, especially associated with shortness of breath and nagging persistent cough. They find that even the simplest of tasks leave them breathless and in need of rest.
One reason could be due to pulmonary scarring. Covid-related bronchitis and, in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), can leave the lungs permanently damaged. Medical professionals have also reported seeing increasing numbers of patients presenting with persistent cough and breathing problems long after covid recovery according to John Callen.
This can mean having to use a breathing apparatus at home, such as an inhaler, nebulizer, or home-treatment oxygen tank. In more severe cases, patients may be admitted to a hospital for more intense treatments.
What Doctors Suggest
Doctors are facing a daily struggle in managing long covid symptoms simply because they vary so greatly.
For those who have been diagnosed with organ damage, especially lung and heart damage, should obviously receive medical care under the advice of a doctor or even at a hospital, requiring in-patient care and treatments.
Physical therapy can be prescribed to assist those with joint pain and difficulties in mobility. There are some excellent online resources to help those with long covid find the best rehabilitative care for their ongoing symptoms.
For many others, however, John R. Callen of MedRehab Alliance reports that it seems the only thing doctors suggest is, unfortunately, patience. Symptoms can be alleviated with medications such as anti-depressants for mental health effects, or painkillers for joint pain relief, but in many cases the body needs time and patience to recover.
Doctors certainly advocate the importance of a healthy diet, vitamin supplementation and of course, hydration. A properly hydrated body means better circulation, and faster healing times for damaged cells.
In addition, many health care professionals stress the importance of receiving the covid vaccine and staying up to date with all boosters as further strains of the virus emerge, especially if severe symptoms are present, or if there are underlying health concerns.
