You’ve had COVID once, twice or maybe even three times despite the fact that you were vaccinated. Although you’ve gotten over the initial illnesses associated with the virus, you may be experiencing lingering health issues like brain fog, fatigue, or loss of smell and/or taste. You and millions of other people may have Long-Haul COVID. What can you do?
Symptoms of Long-Haul COVID
Many people may be experiencing new physical or mental health challenges months after recovering from COVID. Some of the most common complaints are:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Trauma
- Muscle pain or soreness
- Non-specific chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Breathlessness
- Brain fog
- Memory problems
These symptoms may be very subtle and not cause much concern at all. Some people may be frustrated or agitated by their new health problems. Still, others may experience severe or profound symptoms causing great distress and decline in quality of life and work.
Everyone has been affected by COVID differently. Those who had severe reactions may experience more severe symptoms now. People who were admitted to ICUs or placed on vents may have the worst cases of Long-Haul COVID due to the trauma involved and the length of time on the unit.
Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers at Risk
Due to the very nature of their work and the close contact with patients infected with the virus, tens of thousands of healthcare professionals and caregivers in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, home health and hospice had greater risk of infection then, and now developing Long-Haul COVID. Because these fields are dominated by women, middle-aged females are at the highest risk.
Many healthcare professionals and caregivers complain about an onset of new health concerns and symptoms. They feel greater and more frequent fatigue. They complain that their memory isn’t as good as it used to be. They experience tightness in their chest, become breathless, and dizzy. While there may be other reasons for these symptoms, we’re learning that much of this can be attributed to Long-Haul COVID.
What Can Be Done?
Particularly for people working in healthcare and have already gone through one of the most traumatic experiences in their career, being told they have a new condition related to COVID is not only a difficult pill to swallow, but possibly a retraumatizing experience. Thankfully, there are ways to best deal with symptoms associated with Long-Haul COVID and move towards a healthier future. Experts recommend the following.
Seek Medical Help
Effective treatments must start with accurate diagnostics. It’s best to start with a family doctor or get a referral to Post-COVID departments in hospitals to rule out any other underlying condition and confirm a diagnosis of Long-Haul COVID.
Seek Out Specialists
Depending upon one’s symptoms, specialists may be needed to treat specific conditions including cardiologists, neurologists, psychologists, pulmonologists and infectious disease physicians. This way, care can be more targeted and specialized.
Continue to Practice with Caution
Always remember to use universal precautions at work, wear a mask and use other personal protective equipment when it makes sense. Practice good hand washing techniques or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol and encourage your coworkers to do the same.
Take Depression, Anxiety and Trauma Seriously
This is no time to be superman or super woman. Everyone has been affected by COVID and in various ways. Don’t be ashamed about your feelings. Mood changes can lead to bigger and more severe problems when they go untreated. Talk to someone. There are experts who can help.
Manage Your Stress
This may sound difficult, but it is necessary to get better and move forward. Try simple but effective methods to reduce your daily stress like deep breathing. Find a quiet place to regroup. Reach out to friends and colleagues. If possible, take time off.
Get Rest
The body heals best when it’s in a state of rest, relaxation and sleep. Resting doesn’t mean watching TV for hours. True rest involves activating your body’s natural relaxation response that lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and stress or anxiety.
Exercise
This may sound counterintuitive, but moving around is better than sitting when you are experiencing fatigue. Activity boosts energy, but be sure to not overdo it. Set modest, realistic goals.
Other ways to engage in self-care and promote health while dealing with Long-Haul COVID symptoms include:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Quit smoking
- Find support
- Practice mindfulness
- Find support
Final Thoughts on Dealing with Long-Haul COVID
COVID-19 has affected millions of people in the United States and around the world. Healthcare professionals and caregivers working the front lines were at risk for infection and a myriad of other issues. Now, we’re finding that people are dealing with mental and physical symptoms they never had before. Long-Haul COVID is real and is causing what some experts are calling “The Next Pandemic”. Thankfully, there are many things that can help. And always remember, you’re not alone.