Coronavirus: This is how you can minimize your risk of long COVID, as per study

The novel coronavirus is not just limited to the course of infection, rather it goes beyond that period, leading to post-COVID syndrome. Post-COVID syndrome or long COVID occurs in people who not only have tested negative for the virus, but have recovered from it too. The lingering effects of the virus continue to weaken the body, demanding care and rest.

Many who were affected by the second wave of coronavirus, even after 8-9 months, still experience complications in the form of impaired sense of smell and taste or other chronic illnesses. Research suggests nearly 5-10% of non-hospitalized patients, and nearly 80% of people who were hospitalized COVID patients fall prey to long COVID.

While the latest variant of concern Omicron may be mild, experts have warned against dismissing the possibilities of post COVID syndrome.

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Studies have shown that people above 40 years of age, those with pre-existing comorbidities and a compromised immunity may be at a greater risk of developing long COVID.

Given that immune functions start to diminish slowly over a certain period of time, it becomes easier for the virus to invade the body. This is exactly why higher COVID severity is recorded amongst those who are old and with comorbidities.

Similarly, being immunocompromised also poses a great threat of not just contracting COVID-19, but also makes one prone to severe infection. This in turn can increase the risk of long COVID in patients. That said, it is important to practice COVID-appropriate behavior to safeguard the most vulnerable in the society.

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UK scientists have established that an estimated 2 percent of the country's population suffers from long COVID. However, according to a survey by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published in early January, vaccination plays a key role in reducing the risk.

As is known, COVID-19 vaccination helps keep severe infections at bay. While breakthrough cases have become prevalent, those fully vaccinated are less prone to COVID-induced complications.

Having said that, experts believe it can also cut down the risk of long COVID in patients. As per the data analysis consisting of 15 UK and international studies, it was found that people who had received two standard doses of either Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines (Covishield in India) and one does of Janssen were half as likely to develop long COVID than those who had either received just one dose or were unvaccinated.

Additionally, the data noted that the effectiveness of the vaccines against long COVID was highest in people aged over 60 and lowest in those aged between 19 and 35.

It was also found that people infected with COVID-19 reported improved symptoms post COVID vaccination.

The study therefore suggested that vaccination not only improves long COVID symptoms, but also minimizes the risk of developing long term effects at all.

People who develop long COVID can experience a wide range of symptoms, some of which are carried forward from the infection days.

Persistent cough, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath are some of the common post-COVID symptoms that ease up over time. However, some long COVID symptoms such as brain fog and impaired sense of smell and taste, medically termed as parosmia and anosmia are prolonged in some people. These not only trigger discomfort, but also impact the quality of life in many ways.

Apart from that, people with pre-existing heart conditions or those with diabetes or cancer, need to be extra careful. Give yourselves time to heal and start slow.

While you may have recovered from COVID-19, you must still be cautious.

After fighting off the infection, remember to take care of your body, let it recover fully. Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods and fruits. Exercise regularly, but start slow and with an easy workout. Do not strain your body by over exercising or with intense exercises.