Understanding
Post COVID-19 Condition
Post COVID-19 condition is the official name that has been given by the World Health Organization
What is
Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC)?
It is a condition that is usually diagnosed after 3 months from the start of COVID-19, lasts for at least 2 months, and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Symptoms may be different from those experienced during an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also change or reappear over time. PCC is also known as long COVID-19, long-haul COVID-19, post-acute COVID-19.
Can I get
Post COVID-19 Condition?
Yes, any person with a history of COVID-19 infection, is at risk for PCC. Post COVID-19 Condition is observed more in women, people who had poor mental and general health before COVID-19, and those who suffer from asthma, obesity, or smoke, or vape. People who were in critical care may also experience symptoms related to post-intensive care syndrome.
How is
Post COVID-19 Condition
diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on each patient's symptoms and medical history.
Do I have
Post COVID-19 Condition?
PCC causes a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing symptoms affecting many organs including the heart, lungs, and brain.
The most commonly reported
symptoms are
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty to sleep and/or concentrate
- Anxiety or depression
- Joint or muscle pain
Seek immediate care if you have any of the following:
· Sudden and severe shortness of breath
· Chest pain
· Suicidal thoughts
· Coughing up blood
· Severe headache
· Weakness on one side of the body and
slurred speech
Get medical advice to monitor your COVID-19 signs and symptoms.
Call your primary care provider if you had COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms more than 4 weeks after the initial infection.
What do I do if my symptoms persist,
or if I develop new or changing symptoms?
Connect with your primary care provider or seek medical care according to local care pathways to discuss your personal management plan and report any changing symptoms.
Most often people who experience Post COVID-19 Condition symptoms may feel better over time.
What kind of treatment
will I receive?
Treatment depends on your signs and symptoms. Emergency care is required for life-threatening complications. Ask your doctor about your symptoms and ask how you can manage them at home. You may require rehabilitation, modifications to your daily routine, or specialized care for less severe complications.
Rehabilitation: Ask your doctor how you can improve your quality of life, ask for advice on managing fatigue or tiredness, and how to improve your daily activities.
The medical community is still learning about this condition and treatments are likely to change as more information becomes available.
How do I prevent
Post COVID-19 Condition?
The best way to prevent PCC is to avoid getting COVID-19.
If you are not fully vaccinated, get fully vaccinated after or before COVID-19 infection
Adhere to social and public health measures to prevent getting COVID-19
Science in 5 on COVID-19: Update on Post COVID-19 condition
10 March 2022
If you have recovered from COVID-19 but are still experiencing certain symptoms you could have post-COVID-19 condition or "long COVID". What are these symptoms? How long do they last and are there any treatment options?