How to know when your COVID-19 becomes ‘long COVID,’ with prolonged symptoms
Scientists have unlocked many of the mysteries of COVID-19 after two years of study, but one of the puzzles remains unsolved: Why do some people continue to feel symptoms for weeks or months after recovering? And how should doctors treat them?
Researchers are honing into some of the causes of what’s called long COVID, which could help in developing treatments. The Wall Street Journal reported new studies suggest certain people may be more at risk of prolonged symptoms, but anyone can get long COVID.
Tens of thousands of North Texans contracted COVID during this latest omicron surge. Many will be left with prolonged symptoms.
Here’s what to watch for if you’re worried about long COVID.
When does my COVID become ‘long’ COVID?
Most people who are infected get better within weeks of being sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers long COVID to be when any number of new, returning or lingering health problems appear or persist four or more weeks after infection.
Symptoms can include respiratory issues, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and difficulty thinking or concentrating, known as “brain fog.” The CDC says people with long COVID commonly report experiencing a combination of these and other symptoms, such as:
- Feeling worse after physical or mental activities
- Chest or stomach pain
- Headache
- Fast-beating or pounding heart
- Joint or muscle pain
- Pins-and-needles feeling
- Diarrhea
- Sleep problems
- Fever
- Feeling lightheaded
- Rash
- Mood changes
- Changes in menstrual period cycles
Loss of smell and taste for a long period can be a symptom of long COVID, but it has not appeared to be as prominent for those who have had the omicron variant, said Dr. Jan Patterson, an infectious disease physician at UT Health San Antonio.
Patterson said physicians commonly see people continuing to suffer from some symptoms after they recover from even mild COVID.
So just because your COVID wasn’t severe, you may still be at risk of prolonged symptoms.
What are my chances of getting long COVID?
Some estimates say a third of people who get COVID-19 will develop lingering problems, which means the world’s omicron surge could lead to an explosion in long COVID cases.
In a CDC report published in September, one-third of the 366 participants reported symptoms two months after they tested positive.
The study was conducted by the Long Beach, California, Department of Health and Human Services and consisted of a random sample of people who had tested positive between April 1 and Dec. 10, 2020.
According to the report, higher rates of long COVID symptoms were reported among people 40 years or older, women, people with preexisting conditions and Black people.
Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, Texas Health Infection Prevention and Epidemiology Physician Advisor, said one reason why people are experiencing long COVID could be because of the unique property of the virus, but more studies are needed to better understand it.
“We don’t hear about people losing their smell with the flu virus, developing foggy brains,” he said. “I think it’s just the nature of this virus, and the inflammatory process or cascade it creates probably renders these different side effects.”
Are my kids at risk of long COVID?
Anyone of any age can have post-COVID problems, but the CDC says long COVID appears to be less common in children and adolescents.
Similar to adults, the most common symptoms among younger people are tiredness or fatigue, headache, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, muscle and joint pain, and cough, the CDC says.
School administrators, counselors and nurses can work with parents to provide learning accommodations for children with long COVID, such as giving extra time on tests and a modified class schedule, according to the CDC.
What should I do if I think I have long COVID?
People experiencing long COVID symptoms are advised to seek treatment from their primary care provider. UT Southwestern Medical Center is one North Texas clinic offering rehabilitation therapy.
The program, called COVID Recover, is designed to help restore muscle, lung and brain function, while also targeting mental health and psychological well-being. COVID Recover also has a virtual wellness group that meets weekly online for four weeks to share strategies.
There are no treatments approved in the U.S. specifically for long COVID, but scientists say they are getting closer.
Immunobiologist Akiko Iwasaki told The Associated Press she is studying the possibility that COVID-19 vaccinations might reduce long COVID symptoms. Her team at Yale University is collaborating with a patient group called Survivor Corps on a study that involves vaccinating previously unvaccinated long COVID patients as a possible treatment, the AP wrote.
Iwasaki said patient groups have reported improvement in some people’s long COVID symptoms after they got their shots, according to the AP.
The CDC says the best way to prevent the chance of getting long COVID is by getting vaccinated to lower the risk of testing positive at all.
“The best way to restore health is just to try to stay active, light exercise. And just try to be energized and eat properly, drink plenty of liquids,” Bhayani said.
Is long COVID considered a disability?
It can be, though not a permanent one. The federal Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice have published guidance that says long COVID can be a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Affordable Care Act.
The federal laws protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
This story was originally published February 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
