With more than 33 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States alone, there has been a lot of information learned about what recovering from COVID-19 is like. And yet, most of us aren’t talking about it – at least not as much as we should be.
While many are under the impression that this virus is much like the flu or poses no real risk to overall health, especially if you’re part of the younger generations, Dr. Peramsetty has repeatedly stated that COVID-19 is not something to be taken lightly.
Particularly because, for some people, this infection can result in some detrimental long-term effects and complications afterwards.
What Does Recovery from COVID-19 Look Like?
Given the spectrum of disease severity, recovery from COVID-19 can vary widely.
For most people who experienced a mild case of COVID-19, early research suggests that recovery post-infection only takes around one to two weeks, though this varies from person to person. Lingering symptoms typically include fatigue, headache, and trouble breathing.
A smaller percentage of people will experience a more severe case of COVID-19, which sometimes requires hospitalization and more time recuperating afterwards. According to Hopkins Medicine, recovery from a severe case can take anywhere from six weeks or longer.
However, emerging research has shown that even those who had mild cases of COVID-19 can still experience ongoing post-COVID symptoms that may irreversibly damage the body – and this damage goes far beyond just the lungs.
What is “Long COVID?”
For a small percentage of people who have had COVID-19, the long-term complications of the illness will continue after the pandemic has come to a close.
Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms months after testing positive for the virus sometimes refer to themselves as “long haulers,” while physicians and scientists refer to the lingering symptoms as “long COVID.”
When infected with the virus, COVID-19 often damages several organs in the body, which increases the risk of experiencing long-term health complications. And these complications impact more than just the lungs, which is typically the initial area of the body affected by COVID-19.
Research has shown that some people who’ve had COVID-19 may experience multiple conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disorders, long after recovering from the infection. (Though these more extreme symptoms are rare.)
The most common symptoms of long COVID are:
Lack of energy
Brain fog
Loss of smell and taste
Shortness of breath
Lingering cough
Joint pain
Chest pain
Sleep problems
Anxiety
Gut issues
Muscle pain
How to Avoid Long-Term COVID-19 Complications
Dr. Peramsetty’s top tip for avoiding long-term COVID-19 health complications is to not get infected with the virus in the first place!
Make sure to follow CDC guidelines, wear your mask when required, wash your hands regularly, try to avoid large gatherings, and – perhaps most importantly – get vaccinated if you can.
For summertime, don’t forget to follow our COVID-19 summer safety tips! We’re here to make sure you stay happy, healthy, and coronavirus-free this warm summer season. And if you’re interested in learning more about how long the vaccine protects you, read Dr. Peramsetty’s thoughts here.
COVID-19 Testing, Antibody Treatment & Vaccine in Tuscaloosa, AL
At Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, AL, Dr. Peramsetty and his experienced team offer coronavirus testing, antibody treatment, and COVID-19 vaccination services.
Use our online scheduling portal to book your appointment today! We’re currently offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 18 and older at our Crimson Care and First Care clinics.
Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty – along with the whole Crimson Care clinical staff – is committed to offering critical medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crimson Care has three convenient locations for our patients in Tuscaloosa: Skyland, Veterans Memorial, and McFarland. We offer extended weekday hours and Saturday and Sunday hours. We are a one-stop treatment facility, including medical care, x-rays, lab work, and prescription dispensing. Visit our website, or call us today at Crimson Care Veterans: (205) 507-1100, Crimson Care Skyland: (205) 507-1119, or First Care: (205) 349-2323.