For most people who have had COVID, their symptoms ease up within a few weeks of their exposure, and they don’t have any long-term impacts. However, some people have reported experiencing post-COVID conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms four or more weeks after your exposure, this is considered post-COVID.
AFC Urgent Care Waltham provides COVID-19 testing to all patients. Make an appointment and visit our center if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.
Common Post-COVID Conditions
The most common post-COVID conditions are similar to general COVID symptoms. They are essentially new or continuous symptoms from the original virus, and they last for four or more weeks. These conditions can happen to any case, whether you experienced symptoms or not. They don’t always need to be a continuation, but you can experience brand new symptoms as well.
Some common post-COVID conditions include:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms that get worse after exercise
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lightheadedness
- Change in smell or taste
More Severe Conditions
Some post-COVID conditions are much more severe than others. In some cases, patients have experienced multiorgan impacts or autoimmune disorders. Multiorgan conditions can impact the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain function. Autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation or tissue damage.
Those who needed to be hospitalized because of COVID can experience severe weakness and exhaustion. Additionally, PTSD and problems with thinking or judgment can also occur in those who were hospitalized or in the ICU.
There are also many mental health implications due to COVID. Isolation, lack of access to healthcare, and negative economic situations can cause stress which can impact other conditions.
Post-COVID Conditions and Children
Long-term COVID conditions are less common in children and adolescents than in adults. However, in some cases, children may experience multisystem inflammatory syndrome, regardless of how minor their COVID case was. They may also experience fatigue, headaches, insomnia, joint pain, and cough.
If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it may begin to impact their day-to-day life, including school and extracurricular activities. Be sure to work with your child’s school counselors or faculty to make sure your child is receiving the proper attention they need.
The best way to prevent post-COVID symptoms is by getting vaccinated. Everyone who is eligible for a COVID vaccine should receive one to help stop the spread. If you are eligible for their booster vaccination, be sure to receive one as soon as possible.
