Brain fog is a common long COVID illness
Getting infected with the SARs-CoV-2 infection can take a terrible toll on your body. Although some people remain asymptomatic, there are those who develop mild, moderate to severe illness. Some even experience symptoms long after their recovery. This is what experts define as long COVID or post COVID syndrome. People who suffer from this condition are often termed as long haulers.
Long COVID symptoms are wide-ranging. From cough, fatigue to shortness of breath and an impaired sense of smell and taste, one may experience different symptoms. According to the UK's National Health Services (NHS), brain fog is also one of the common illnesses reported by some people recovering from coronavirus. "Symptoms may vary and change over time," the health body adds.
Also read: Croup vs. Coronavirus: How to differentiate between symptoms
What is brain fog?
Brain fog is not a specific illness, rather a term to describe a wide range of symptoms associated with slow or sluggish thinking. It is a type of cognitive dysfunction that impairs concentration and induces memory problems.
In most cases, brain fog is only temporary and heals on its own. However, in certain cases of COVID-19, brain fog can be long lasting and acute. It could last weeks or even months after initial illness.
A 2020 study found that nearly 28% of people had long term concentration problems more than 100 days after hospital admission for COVID-19.
Who is at risk of developing a brain fog after COVID-19 infection?
The NHS claims that brain fog is not just common among people who were hospitalised with coronavirus.
While older adults are said to be susceptible to cognitive impairment after critical illness, some research suggests younger patients with COVID-19 are also at risk.
An October 2021 study published in JAMA Network Open looked at neurological function in a relatively young group of patients aged 38 to 59 months after COVID recovery. They found that as many as 24% continued to experience certain cognitive difficulties, including memory problems, processing speed, focusing and other issues.
Signs that indicate you have brain fog
According to the NHS, brain fog is a term used to describe various cognitive impairment involving:
- Poor concentration
- Confusion
- Slow thinking
- Fuzzy thoughts
- Forgetfulness
- Lost words
- Mental fatigue
“People usually recover from brain fog. You may get similar symptoms after other infections, a minor head injury or during the menopause. Brain fog is also common if you have depression, anxiety or stress," adds the health body.
Common long COVID illnesses to watch out for
The Mayo Clinic describes long COVID as a condition in which people continue to experience COVID symptoms after their initial recovery. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Memory, concentration or sleep problems
- Muscle pain or headache
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Loss of smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Fever
- Dizziness when you stand
- Worsened symptoms after physical or mental activities