What is Long COVID? This is a question that many people are asking, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world. Let’s take a closer look at this virus and find out some of the answers to these questions.
What is Long COVID and how did it start?
Long COVID is a name given to the condition where people experience symptoms of the novel coronavirus for an extended period of time. This can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It is unclear exactly how Long COVID started, but it is believed that it is a mutated form of the original virus.
There have been countless cases of Long COVID reported in different parts of the world, but it is still not clear how widespread the condition is. It is possible that many people who have Long COVID don’t even realise it, as the symptoms can be very mild in some cases.
How does Long COVID compare to other coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV?
Long COVID is similar to other coronaviruses in that it is a respiratory virus that can cause severe respiratory illness in some people. However, there are some key differences between Long COVID and other coronaviruses. For one, Long COVID seems to be more widespread than other coronaviruses. Additionally, the symptoms of Long COVID can last for a much longer period of time than other coronaviruses.
So far, there is no evidence to suggest that Long COVID is more dangerous than the original virus. However, there’s still not much known about this condition and further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of Long COVID. Symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain, headaches, and brain fog. Some people also report struggling with anxiety and depression after contracting Long COVID. There are technologies emerging that allow you to analyse your cough and identify if it is COVID or not.
There is no specific treatment for Long COVID at the moment, but most people will recover gradually over time with rest and self-care. In some cases, people may need to be hospitalised if they develop severe symptoms.
What is the outlook for people who have contracted Long COVID so far?
At the moment, the outlook for people with Long COVID is fairly positive. Most people will make a full recovery, although some may experience long-term effects such as fatigue and brain fog. With more research, it is hoped that we will be able to better understand and treat this condition.
In the meantime, people can protect themselves from getting Long COVID by washing their hands regularly, avoiding close contact with others, and wearing a face mask.