How to Treat Long COVID

Symptoms of Long COVID

The CDC notes that the symptoms of long COVID vary widely and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty concentrating, headache, muscle and joint pain, and loss of taste or smell. Some people may also experience more severe symptoms, such as heart problems, blood clots, hypertension (high blood pressure), neurological symptoms, depression, and anxiety.

Causes of Long COVID

While the exact cause of long COVID is unknown, researchers believe it may be related to the body's immune response to the virus, according to the CDC. They also note that it is also possible that long COVID may be caused by damage to organs or tissues in the body, such as the lungs or brain.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for long COVID. However, there are several things that may help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What to do if you Have Long COVID

1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation

If you are experiencing breathing problems due to long COVID, pulmonary rehabilitation may be helpful, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This type of rehabilitation involves exercises that improve your lung function and breathing.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help improve your strength, flexibility, and mobility if you are experiencing muscle weakness or joint pain due to long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

3. Olfactory Retraining

Loss of smell or taste is a common symptom of long COVID. The Cleveland Clinic notes that olfactory retraining involves exposing yourself to different smells and tastes to help your brain relearn how to interpret these sensations.

4. Medications

There are several medications that may be helpful in treating long COVID symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These may include over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antihistamines—as well as prescription medication for blood clots, migraines, depression, and neurological symptoms.

5. Counseling

Living with long COVID can be challenging and may take a toll on your mental health, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that counseling can be helpful in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

How to Prevent Long COVID

Long COVID can be a debilitating condition that can last for months, according to the CDC. While there is no surefire way to prevent long COVID, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition.

1. Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the best ways to prevent long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The CDC also notes that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death—as well as lowering the risk of developing long COVID.

2. Support Your Immune System

A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help support your immune system and reduce your risk of developing long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

3. Avoid Smoking & Drinking In Excess

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system, which may increase your risk of developing long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Smoking and drinking excessively are both also linked to more severe COVID-19 illness.

4. See A Doctor Annually For a Checkup

Seeing a doctor annually for routine healthcare can help identify any underlying health conditions that may increase your risk of developing long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that you should make sure to get routine health screenings and check-ups in accordance with the CDC recommendations.

5. Treat Chronic Conditions Like Asthma & Diabetes

Chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes can increase your risk of severe COVID-19 illness, which is linked to a higher risk of developing long COVID, according to the CDC. Managing these conditions effectively by following your doctor's recommendations and taking any prescribed medications can help.

6. Antiviral Medications

There are studies that suggest taking antiviral medications like Paxlovid can help reduce your risk of developing long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is important to note that you can only get antiviral medication for COVID-19 by prescription, and only within the first five days of symptoms or testing positive.

7. Avoiding Infection

Avoiding COVID-19 is the only way to completely prevent developing long COVID, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You can reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 by practicing good hand-washing habits, wearing a well-fitting mask like an N95 or KN95, and avoiding coming in contact with people who are sick.

When To See A Doctor for long COVID

The Cleveland Clinic notes that you should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe COVID symptoms
• Symptoms that last a long time, even if your initial symptoms have gotten better
• Any symptoms that disrupt your daily life

Summary

Anyone who has COVID-19 can end up developing long COVID, which can have a wide range of symptoms. Some of the symptoms of long COVID can include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Loss of taste or smell
• New onset of heart conditions
• Blood clots
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Neurological symptoms
• Depression
• Anxiety

If you do believe you have long COVID, you can ease your symptoms and support your recovery with:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Olfactory retraining
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Mental health counseling