Coronavirus: COVID survivors, note! THIS activity may worsen long COVID symptoms, finds study

COVID-19 can range from mild to moderate to severe infections. Some people also showcase no symptoms, however, remain contagious. But while most people breathe a sigh of relief once they test negative for the virus, experts say the battle is only half won.

Long COVID is a condition, in which some people continue to experience health problems long after having COVID-19. Symptoms can persist for weeks and even months, which is my post-COVID care is of utmost importance.

That said, testing negative does not mean you can immediately go back to your daily activities. As a matter of fact, studies have also highlighted the damage it can do to your body. A new study looked into the same and found one activity that can worsen long COVID symptoms significantly.

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A recent study conducted by a leading British university involved 500 long COVID patients, of which 75 percent reported that exercising made their symptoms worse.

Doctor Manaj Sivan, a medical professor at The University of Leeds and the co-author of the study said that long COVID has a strange association with exercise compared to other health problems.

It was noted that while many chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma and diabetes were said to heal with the help of exercise, it was the opposite when it came to COVID-19.

This includes giving rise to complications such as excessive breathlessness.

While the study is said to be limited and inconclusive, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) shares that the primary risk posed by exercising is cardiac injury, including viral myocarditis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). This inflammation is said to reduce the heart's capacity to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid or irregular heart rhythms also known as arrhythmias.

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Another study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine tried to find out why COVID-19 causes symptoms like fatigue and how it affects the body.

The researchers found that the membrane-bound cell organelles, called mitochondria, did not work properly, when the body is suffering from long COVID.

In the study, a group of patients were made to exercise intensely on a bike, while wearing a special mask, and electrodes to monitor their breathing and heart function.

The problem with the mitochondria was found in the muscle tissue of the patients but researchers also said that the problems could be due to lung and neurological symptoms.

According to the BMJ study. COVID-recovered patients should "only return to exercise after at least seven days free of symptoms, and begin with at least two weeks of minimal exertion."

As per Prof. Sivan, "There needs to be careful planning and a structured tailor-made program to become active again."

What is important to note is that anyone is prone to long COVID. Whether you experience a mild or severe COVID-19 infection, post COVID conditions can occur in anyone.

That said, according to a study in the journal Chest, even those who had a “mild” version of coronavirus can experience health challenges.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns against strenuous exercise, including heavy housework.

Furthermore, it has offered a self-management booklet on long COVID, wherein they have recommended returning to exercise in five stages, which include:

- Start with gentle walking and balancing and breathing exercises.

- Indulge in low-intensity exercises including walking, light household work like gardening, etc..

- Brisk walking, climbing stairs and jogging.

- Moderate-intensity training which includes coordination and functional exercises like running, cycling, swimming, etc..

- Resume regular exercise.