Coronavirus: 5 ways to spot long COVID

COVID is a headache, so are its after effects; which develops weeks and months after the infection and disrupts normal health and life. Known as post-COVID or long-COVID condition, this is seen in people even after the infection has subsided. In this condition, the symptoms of the COVID are seen affecting people even after recovery.

"Post COVID-19 condition, also known as “long COVID,” refers collectively to the constellation of long-term symptoms that some people experience after they have had COVID-19," the World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined the condition.

These people are known as long-haulers, the WHO says.

Read: How to tell if your child's cough is COVID or something else

As per the WHO data released in December 2021, 10-20% of the COVID infected people experience long COVID. "Most people who develop COVID-19 fully recover, but current evidence suggests approximately 10%-20% of people experience a variety of mid- and long-term effects after they recover from their initial illness," reads the data.

People with long COVID are likely to experience symptoms like: fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, memory, concentration or sleep problems, persistent cough, chest pain, trouble speaking, muscle aches, loss of smell or taste, depression or anxiety and fever.

People also experience diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Changes in menstrual cycles, skin rashes are also seen in individuals.

There are several ways one can spot long COVID. Here's the step by step guide on how to know if you have long COVID:

1. You might not be feeling right even weeks after recovering from COVID infection. You would still be as listless as you were during the COVID infection.

2. There is no medical test to diagnose long COVID. Keep a track of symptoms and signs three months after the COVID infection. These symptoms persist in an individual for a minimum of two months. If you notice a symptom which has been there for weeks it is advisable to contact a doctor.

The WHO says, "Post COVID-19 condition is usually diagnosed three months after COVID-19. This allows the healthcare provider to rule out the normal recovery process after illness. The symptoms and effects last for at least two months."

3. Symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath are commonly seen in long COVID patients. These signs are likely to interfere in the ability to perform daily activities such as work or household chores. If you are unable to carry out low intensity work even months after recovering from the COVID infection, you should check yourself for long COVID.

4. Do not ignore the signs if you have had mild COVID. Experts have said that there is no relationship between the severity of the COVID infection and the occurrence of long COVID conditions.

5. It is likely that the long COVID symptoms will fluctuate and relapse over time. "Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time," the WHO says.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, people also experience signs which are difficult to explain.

Any such condition which starts 3 months after the COVID infection should not be ignored.

One should take necessary medical help when long COVID symptoms are spotted. As seen from the symptoms of long COVID it can affect any part of the body. If you have other health complications, it is advisable to remain in touch with your physician.

Since this condition is not communicable, one need not isolate or quarantine when the symptoms are seen.