Post covid-19 syndrome
19 January 2022
Some Quick Facts about Post COVID-19 Syndrome
What is Post-COVID Syndrome?
Also known as ‘long COVID’, post-COVID syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that develop during or after COVID-19 infection.
When does it start to develop?
Signs and symptoms may start from 4 weeks and go beyond 12 weeks.
Does it happen only to patients with serious COVID-19 symptoms?
No, it can occur even in patients with relatively mild acute illness of COVID-19 which did not require hospitalisation.
Possible Post-COVID Symptoms
General symptoms
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Weakness
Body Ache
Fever
Psychology
Depression
Anxiety
What are the medications used to treat Post-COVID syndrome?
Symptomatic medications are usually prescribed; for example:-
- Paracetamol to treat fever
- N-acetylcysteine to reduce phlegm
- Cough mixture to reduce cough
- Inhalers to open the airways
- Steroids to reduce the inflammation in the lungs
What are some lifestyle advices for patients with Post-COVID Syndrome?
Maximise self-care, sleep, relaxation and nutrition.
- Practice caution when returning to daily activities and exercising.
- Reduce intensity of physical activity if you experience any breathing difficulties.
- Seek medical attention if you have worsening breathlessness, unexplained chest pain, new confusion or focal weakness.
References:
Caring for adult patients with post-COVID-19 conditions, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2020
Burden of post-COVID-19 syndrome and implications for healthcare service planning: A population-based cohort study. Menges D, Ballouz T, Anagnostopoulos A, Aschmann HE, Domenghino A, et al. (2021) Burden of post-COVID-19 syndrome and implications for healthcare service planning: A population-based cohort study. PLOS ONE 16(7): e0254523
Diagram taken from The Star; sourced from Ministry of Heath Malaysia.
