Long COVID: These symptoms in the first week may indicate long-term risks

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, people have been battling a series of complications - both physical and mental. From the ever-expanding list of symptoms to the emergence of new variants to a rise in the number of post-COVID complications, the problems have only increased in the recent past. While the number of COVID cases in the country have dropped, due to prolonged illness, recovering patients are yet to breathe a sigh of relief.

Long COVID occurs in people who continue to experience COVID symptoms long after they have recovered from the illness and tested negative. That said, people suffering with post-COVID complications are called long haulers. Due to severe COVID infections, they either experience some permanent damage to their lungs, heart, kidneys, or brain or continue to experience lingering symptoms despite no detectable damage to these organs.

Read more: Coronavirus: Possible signs and symptoms you are suffering from long COVID

Most people who contract SARs-COV-2 virus are either asymptomatic or experience mild to moderate illness. The symptoms tend to subside within 2–3 weeks after symptom onset. However, some people, even after testing negative for the virus, continue experiencing lingering symptoms for over 4 weeks and beyond.

Keeping all of these in mind, the Therapies for long COVID (TLC) study group, at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, has come up with certain predictors of long COVID.

The study group looked into 27 previously published studies on long COVID to find out about the most common symptoms and also to learn about some possible indicators of long-term risks.

The team of researchers found that fatigue, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and altered sense of smell and taste were among the most prevalent symptoms during the illness. Apart from that, they also learnt that patients dealt with sleep disorders and cognitive problems like inability to focus, issues with memories, etc.

Besides learning about the common symptoms of long COVID, the researchers also found out about the factors that increase the risk of long term risks in patients. According to the scientists, there are certain predictors that can help evaluate your risk of getting long COVID.

The study found that while mild COVID infection did not trigger the occurrence of prolonged illness, being hospitalized at symptom onset or requiring oxygen support was linked to an increased risk of long COVID. Additionally, one study also found that people who experienced more than five symptoms during the first week of illness had an increased likelihood of developing long term complications.

Some other factors that could be predictors of long COVID are older age, being female, and having preexisting health conditions, as per the study.

Read more: Coronavirus: Here's why women have a higher risk of long COVID than men

Getting your COVID vaccine does not make you completely immune to the virus. However, it can minimize your risk of severe illness. It provides you with a certain level of protection against the illness and reduces the risk of hospitalization.

However, there is still the risk of contracting the virus and while chances are extremely low, developing long COVID symptoms is still very much possible.

Read more: Coronavirus: Can fully vaccinated people develop long COVID?

Testing negative for a virus does not mean you're all good to go. It only indicates that the battle is half won. COVID symptoms can linger on long after you have tested negative for the virus. The recovery phase is a crucial one as it needs intense care.

Follow a healthy diet and continue participating in mild exercises. While due to persistent fatigue, it may be difficult to go about your way, but do not live a sedentary life. Stay hydrated and eat nutrient rich foods that can provide you with ample energy. Continue monitoring your symptoms and stay in touch with your doctor.