Dealing with Long COVID

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we are able to learn more and more about the potential long-terms effects ofCOVID-19. At times, doctors and patients discovering the aftereffects of COVID-19 in tandem, but what is becoming increasingly clear is the growing need for post-COVID support.

By now you may be familiar with the term Long COVID, which is also known as ‘Post COVID-Syndrome’. To help make sense of Long COVID, we have provided answers to some common concerns/questions/queries.

How long does it take to recover from coronavirus?

After contracting coronavirus, most people will feel better after a few weeks and make a full recovery within 12 weeks, but this will vary from person to person.

How long is COVID contagious for?

The incubation period for coronavirus can be up to 14 days, this is the time it can take from contracting the virus to developing symptoms. Once people being to develop COVID-19 symptoms, they and be contagious for around 10 days. This is the period when people must self-isolate to avoid passing on the virus, in accordance with government guidelines. If you test positive for COVID-19, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you took the test if you do not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days.

What is long COVID?

For some people, the effects of contracting COVOD-19 last much longer than after initially falling ill and they continue to experience symptoms. This is what]’s known as ‘Long COVID’ or ‘Post COVID Syndrome’

What are the symptoms of Long COVID?

Long COVID symptoms are wide-ranging and can vary from person to person. People who had mild symptoms when they were first infected with COVID-19 may still face long-term problems. Symptoms can include:

• Dizziness
• Joint pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Heart palpitations
• Stomach aches
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme tiredness
• A high temperature
• Problems with memory
• Changes to sense of smell and taste

People experiencing Long COVID can become frustrated with their continued symptoms, particularly ass the lasting effects are not yet fully understood. Common mental health side effects of Long COVID include frustration, fear, and anxiety. Companionship care can be a great way of helping to support those dealing with symptoms of Long COVID.

Facing physical or mental health effects of Long COVID does not man that you are contagious to other people. In fact, those suffering the long-term effects of COVID-19 are more likely to need to rely on support from others, particularly where they are experiencing symptoms of lethargy and issues with their memory.

What support is available for Long COVID?

Living with Long COVID, or continuing symptoms of COVID-19, may feel frightening and isolating. Many people will also likely need practical support with day-to-day activities.

Our trusted team of Caregivers can provide care and assistance for people with Long COVID symptoms. Whether it is support with personal care services, including help with washing, dressing, or grooming, or a friendly face to prepare meals, we can help you in your Long COVID recovery.

There are also online peer support groups worldwide, such as ‘Long COVID Support’.

Does having Long COVID make you immune to coronavirus?

Though reinfection is uncommon, it is still possible to contract coronavirus more that once. The presence of antibodies required to fight COVID-19 are not always sufficient to guarantee continued immunity. Even after a full recovery from COVID-19, the World Health Organisation still recommends that everyone should wear a mask when they are in contact with other people outside of their home (i.e. in the supermarket), regularly wash their hands and continue to practise social distancing.

How can I support someone with Long COVID?

The level of support an individual requires will depend on the severity and number of symptoms they have. Those with aches and pains may need support with moving around the house or accompaniment to and from appointments. For individuals feeling held back by fatigue, then simple daily tasks may feel unmanageable. Whatever the symptoms, maintaining a clean environment is important for both health and wellbeing. Relationships may be strained as your loved one comes to terms with the effects of Long COVID. Communication is key to understanding how the person you are supporting is feeling and what support they need. 

 

If you are supporting someone through Long COVID, you should remember to take time out for yourself, to rest and recharge your own batteries to prevent your new role taking its toll on your own mental health and wellbeing. Respite CareGivers can take care of your loved one’s needs, whilst you take a well-deserved break.

 

My loved one was hospitalised with COVID-19, what can they expect when they come home from hospital?

If you or a loved one have been hospitalised with COVID-19, it may take some time to readjust to life once you return home. Some people may face physical, mental, and emotional symptoms of ‘Post-Intensive Care Syndrome’ (PICS). The NHS has produced an informative guide for family members whose loved ones were hospitalised due to COVID-19. Covering topics such as ‘self-care’ and ‘understanding your relative’s hospital stay and how it felt’, this guide is filled with tips and advice on how you can support a loved one physically and emotionally in their recovery.

We hope to learn more about the long-term effects of COVID-19, related to mental health, physical symptoms, and potential effects on the immune system, but this information will come in time.

For NHS advice on recovery and the long-term effects of COVID, visit the website Your COVID Recovery.

For more information on how we can support you or a loved one at home, please speak to a member of our friendly office team on 01462 559159.