Some people who recover from Covid-19 continue to feel unwell for weeks or even months afterward. This condition, called long Covid or post-Covid syndrome, is diagnosed when symptoms last for more than 12 weeks. If you are experiencing it, doctors say there is one thing you should be cautious about. Although long Covid is not usually life-threatening, it can cause ongoing discomfort and affect many parts of the body in different ways. According to NHS guidance, symptoms vary from person to person and can shift over time.While the condition can be difficult to manage, there are several treatment options available. These may include physiotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and nutritional guidance to ease symptoms and improve overall health. If you think you might have long Covid, it’s best to see your GP. They can assess your symptoms, run a few tests, and help you get the right diagnosis and care.What Is Long Covid?Long Covid refers to a range of ongoing symptoms that continue even after the initial Covid-19 infection has passed. Many people expect to recover within a couple of weeks, yet some find themselves still struggling with fatigue, brain fog, or changes in taste and smell months later. Foods that once tasted normal may now seem metallic or flavourless, and restful sleep can become rare.As per Cleveland Clinic, rather than being a single illness, long Covid covers any health issue linked to a Covid-19 infection that lasts three months or more after the first symptoms appear. It can affect anyone, regardless of whether their initial case was mild or severe. The symptoms often resemble those seen in autoimmune, respiratory, heart, or neurological conditions, and can also affect mental health.Some people experience only mild issues, while others find the effects deeply disruptive. The symptoms might fade and return, shift in intensity, or feel as if the body never fully recovered from the original infection.Symptoms of Long CovidAs noted by the NHS, long Covid can bring a range of symptoms such as:Memory or concentration problems, often referred to as brain fogShortness of breathMuscle or joint painExtreme tiredness or fatigueSore throatBlocked or runny noseChest pain, tightness, or a racing heartbeat (palpitations)Pins and needles or general body achesPersistent coughTrouble sleeping (insomnia)Nausea, weight loss, or loss of appetiteFeverStomach pain or diarrhoeaHair loss or skin rashes like hivesChanges in senses, including altered taste or smell, vision issues, ear pain, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)Headaches, dizziness, or vertigoAnxiety and depressionSudden confusion (delirium), especially in older adultsNot everyone with long Covid will experience all these symptoms. Some may appear and fade over time, while new ones can develop unexpectedly.Avoiding Physical ActivityNHS experts warn that long Covid symptoms can worsen if you are under stress or push yourself to be too physically active. They advise against returning to exercise before consulting a GP or specialist.Research from the University of Leeds also supports this. While physical activity can sometimes help recovery, overexertion may lead to setbacks or worsening symptoms. The researchers suggested that “personalised physical activity plans that reduce the risks of inactivity without triggering long Covid symptoms should be considered a clinical priority.”If you suspect you have long Covid and are unsure about how much exercise is safe, it’s best to speak with your GP or a healthcare professional for tailored advice.
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