Long COVID 一sometimes called long haul COVID or post-COVID一 refers to symptoms that last for several weeks or months beyond your initial illness. According to the World Health Organization, long COVID symptoms develop within three months of having COVID-19, last for at least two months, and aren’t caused by another condition.
Here at Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Drs. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Svetlana Burkhead see many patients for COVID here in our San Jose, California, office, and we know that many people do see signs of long COVID. That’s why we created this guide to help you manage symptoms of long COVID.
Fatigue is one of the most common COVID symptoms, and it’s also a common post-COVID symptom too. To help manage fatigue, keep these tips in mind:
Remember to be compassionate with yourself!
Many people feel out of breath easily after COVID, but there are a few strategies you can try to help improve your breathing. First, avoid any position that makes your breathing worse. Laying on your belly, for instance, can help your lungs get more air than when you lay on your back. You might also feel more comfortable sitting and leaning forward, or laying on your side with your head propped up.
Deep breathing and other breathing exercises can also help you gain more control over your breathing.
Both COVID and long COVID are notorious for causing brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Brain fog is frustrating, but you can help manage the symptoms by:
Eating a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in brain-healthy foods like olive oil, salmon, and walnuts, is also good for your brain.
Dealing with the lingering effects of COVID is frustrating, but like the long haul symptoms, this one can also be improved with lifestyle modifications. Eating nutrient-dense foods, getting a good night of sleep, and exercising can also improve your mood.
Muscle aches and joint pain may start when you’re first ill, but these symptoms can linger for weeks and months. Stretching, gentle exercises (such as yoga or Tai chi), and light swimming can help strengthen your muscles, keep you flexible, and improve your joint health. You may also benefit from over-the-counter pain medication and topical muscle creams.
Not everyone loses their sense of taste and/or smell, but for those that do, the return of these senses can take days, weeks, or even months after the initial infection. Resist the temptation to add more salt or fat to your meals in an attempt to taste the food. Instead, focus on trying new textures. As your senses start to return, add flavor with spices and herbs.
The best way to prevent long COVID symptoms is to protect yourself and others from becoming infected through proper hand hygiene, avoiding those who are sick, and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
Here at Physicians Medical Urgent Care, we offer a variety of immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Regardless of your vaccine status, if you have any symptoms that mirror COVID-19 一 cough, fever, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell 一 don’t hesitate to walk into our urgent care. We offer COVID-19 testing and can confirm if your symptoms are related to COVID or another viral condition, such as the flu.
Questions? Give us a call at 408-207-4637 or book your appointment online.
