Coronavirus recovery: 5 symptoms of COVID-19 which take the longest time to resolve after the Delta variant

Fighting coronavirus can be a tough road. Not only is there a risk of comorbidities which could perhaps account for longer recovery timelines, the second wave has also shown that the symptoms that do strike, could be much severe in magnitude. From high lung involvement to persistent exhaustion and a general sense of dilapidation, many of those deemed young and healthy are still finding it hard to recover, long after testing negative.

Apart from the risk of long COVID which baffles experts, studies and clinical research has proven that there are specific COVID-19 symptoms, which can take a long while to go away:

For patients who do experience respiratory complications associated with COVID-19, experiencing difficulty breathing is a common complaint. However, in many cases, it can also be a symptom that resolves after long, and often makes the body rely on external support machines. Complaints could be common amongst patients who had a high level of lung involvement due to the Delta variant, irrespective of age.

Researchers have now also observed that experiencing respiratory problems can make patients suffer from chronic problems much later, including shortness of breath and damage to the air sacs in the lungs.

Extensive breathing exercises and oxygen support may be required to resume normal breathing function.

Experiencing levels of unnerving fatigue and exhaustion out of the blue could be one of the earliest symptoms of COVID and the Delta variant of the virus particularly. Sadly, these are also the symptoms that take a terribly long time to heal from. Some continue to be tired for weeks post recovery, while some could reel under the after-effects for months. Not only is the body superbusy generating antibodies in response to the virus, making it 'tired', the immune system can also generate cytokines which may result in terrible symptoms such as fatigue.

Do remember that fatigue although is common with viral illnesses, fighting fatigue and weakness with COVID-19 is one symptom that requires you to rest, and not overexerts yourself. Eat healthy foods, hydrate yourself and most importantly, take your time to resume a normal pace of life. That's the only way of dealing with unnerving fatigue or cramps which don't seem to go away.

Also termed as 'COVID' voice, many people who fight a harsh battle with COVID and suffer from upper respiratory tract infections could encounter a changed voice post-recovery. The change, along with lingering cough, persisting inflammation and hoarseness is a sign of widespread inflammation, and take a while to settle and ease.

Though considered to be 'temporary' changes, changes to the sound of your voice, efforts while using it could be observed and likened to be similar to that of recovery from the flu. However, the side effects, unlike that of flu are considered to be more intense and longer-lasting.

Some studies have also indicated that loss of smell and taste (common symptoms with the original variant of the virus) also take a long while to spring back to normal.

Lung fibrosis which could develop post a COVID battle is considered to be one of the newest afflicting long haul symptoms. With the Delta wave, heavy lung involvement has become a concerning severe symptom of the infection, and could often engrave lasting damage. Depending on the severity of your infection and complications, sometimes, recovery from respiratory complications such as this could take a long while. Patients with severe lung involvement may also be put on heavy maintenance medications, supportive care to manage symptoms.Lung fibrosis which could develop post a COVID battle is considered to be one of the newest afflicting long haul symptoms. With the Delta wave, heavy lung involvement has become a concerning severe symptom of the infection, and could often engrave lasting damage. Depending on the severity of your infection and complications, sometimes, recovery from respiratory complications such as this could take a long while. Patients with severe lung involvement may also be put on heavy maintenance medications, supportive care to manage symptoms.

Myalgia with a COVID-19 infection can be quite debilitating for the body and from anecdotal evidence, take a long while to resolve. The inflammation caused by the cytokines can lead to a lot of aches, pains and stiffness even after fighting the infection. It's also one of the most common signs of long COVID reported by people who have recovered from COVID-19. One of the best ways to accelerate healing would be to rest and recover properly and keep up with all the medications.

Not only are some of these symptoms linked to long COVID (or post-COVID-19 syndrome), it's important to remember that lingering symptoms of the illness require a lot of care and attention since some of these profoundly impact your vital health. The severe your COVID-19 case, the longer, and the more complicated post-recovery symptoms could seldom be. In some cases, the symptoms may not be always synonymous with hospitalized cases alone, so take proper care.

While there are some ways to determine if you are a COVID long hauler, it’s equally important to keep up with your doctor consults and requisite medications to avoid long-term complications, and avoid the risk of reinfection as well. A specialized doctor can also diagnose the severity of your symptoms, help treat milder symptoms, issue recommendations for serious symptoms and guide you to taking good care of yourself.

Getting vaccinated, at the right time, may also offer some respite from certain long-haul symptoms as well, so get the jab when you can.