The coronavirus pandemic has brought a wave of new challenges to healthcare professionals and patients alike.
One of those is the emergence of Post-COVID Condition, or “Long COVID”. These terms are used to refer to the physical and mental health effects that some people experience after recovering from COVID-19.
In this blog post, we will provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive guide to understanding, diagnosing, and treating post-COVID condition.
We will cover topics such as:
- Common symptoms of post-COVID condition
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Symptom-based approaches
- Rehabilitation and non-pharmacological management
- Resources and support for post-COVID patients
To further enhance your knowledge on this topic, enroll in our FREE course for healthcare professionals: COVID-19 Today – All You Need to Know from Prevention, Treatment, to Post-COVID Condition
Earn up to 2 hours of Continuing Education Credits and learn everything you need to know about acute COVID, general prevention, long COVID (or post-COVID condition) mechanisms, management, and more!
Co-developed with the Canadian Thoracic Society, this course is designed for specialists, family physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Table of Contents
Understanding Post-COVID condition
Post-COVID condition, or long COVID, is an umbrella term used to refer to the physical and mental health effects that some people experience after recovering from COVID-19.
Once people are no longer contagious and have overcome the acute phase of COVID-19, their symptoms may persist (or they may experience new symptoms).
According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 10% of those who contract the virus will suffer from long term symptoms for months or even years after their initial recovery.
Anyone can develop Long COVID. Some people may have it for a couple of months, while others can continue to have it beyond one year.
Understanding post-COVID condition is essential for healthcare professionals treating patients who have had the virus. Patients can present with a variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue and difficulty breathing to cognitive impairment and depression.
Identifying those at risk for long COVID as well as recognizing the potential complications associated with it are key components in providing effective treatment plans.
Risk factors for post-COVID condition include age, gender, pre-existing conditions such as asthma or diabetes, and severity of initial infection. It is important to recognize these risk factors when identifying patients who may be at greater risk for developing long COVID after their initial recovery from the virus.
Complications associated with post-COVID condition can include:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue)
- Heart damage
- Stroke
- Neurological problems, such as headaches and seizures
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Organ damage
- Autoimmune diseases
In many cases, these complications can be managed through medical interventions such as medications or rehabilitation therapies. However, they may require careful monitoring in order to ensure proper treatment and management.
With an increasing number of patients presenting with post-COVID conditions, it is important for healthcare professionals to familiarize themselves with this new diagnosis. This way, they can provide effective treatment plans and support resources for their patients who are suffering from this debilitating illness.
Common symptoms of post-COVID condition
Post-COVID condition, also known as long COVID, is a collection of symptoms that can occur after an infection with the novel coronavirus. It is important to recognize these symptoms to provide effective care and support for post-COVID patients.
The most commonly reported symptoms for post-COVID patients are:
- Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms associated with post-COVID condition. Patients may report feeling tired all the time, even after getting plenty of rest or sleep. They may also have difficulty concentrating or find that their energy levels fluctuate throughout the day.
- Breathlessness: Post-COVID patients may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing due to inflammation in their lungs. This can be a concerning symptom and should be monitored closely by healthcare professionals.
- Coughing: Coughing is another common symptom associated with post-COVID condition. Patients may experience dry coughing, as well as coughing up blood or mucus in some cases.
- Chest pain: Chest pain can range from mild to severe and can be caused by inflammation in the chest wall or by an infection in the lungs.
- Headaches: Headaches are another common symptom associated with post-COVID condition and can range from mild to severe in intensity.
It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize these symptoms so they can properly diagnose and treat post-COVID patients accordingly. It’s also important to note that not all post-COVID patients will experience all of these symptoms; each case will vary depending on their specific situation and medical history.
By monitoring each patient’s progress closely, healthcare professionals can make sure that they receive proper treatment plans and support resources tailored specifically for them.
Diagnosis and treatment of post-COVID condition
Regarding managing post-COVID condition, a symptom-based approach is essential.
Diagnosis and treatment of post-COVID condition is an important step for healthcare professionals when caring for their patients.
To provide the best care possible, it is essential for healthcare professionals to understand the common tests and procedures used in diagnosing post-COVID condition, as well as the medications that may be necessary for its treatment.
Early detection is critical for successful management plans of post-COVID condition.
When looking at diagnostic tests, healthcare professionals should look at imaging such as X-rays or CT scans to check for any possible damage caused by the virus.
Other tests that can be performed include lung function tests, blood tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs).
Once a diagnosis has been made, healthcare professionals will need to determine which medications are appropriate for treating this condition. Commonly used drugs for long COVID include corticosteroids, antiviral medications, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics.
In some cases, post-COVID condition may require a combination of medication and non-pharmacological management strategies. Healthcare providers should assess each patient’s individual case and recommend tailored treatments based on their needs.
Post-COVID condition rehab and non-pharmacological management
Rehabilitation from post-COVID condition is an important step in long-term symptom management. While pharmaceutical treatments can be effective, non-pharmacological management approaches are also necessary for successful recovery.
Some non-pharmacological approaches for post-COVID condition can include:
- Physical therapy sessions to improve mobility and strength
- Psychotherapy or counseling sessions to better manage stress levels
- Occupational therapy sessions to help with daily activities
- Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise or yoga*
- Dietary modifications
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises
- Stress management strategies
- Sleep hygiene practices for better sleep
*Please note: whilst there is a common saying, that if there is no pain, then there is no gain, this saying does not apply when it comes to recovering from Long COVID.
There are some measures that your patients should follow in order to exercise safely and avoid a potential worsening of symptoms (what is known as “Post-Exertional Malaise”).
Please visit our free Module “Living Well Beyond COVID-19: Long COVID rehabilitation and management” to learn more.
It is also important for healthcare providers to closely monitor their patients’ progress during treatment to make sure that they are responding appropriately to the treatments being administered.
Post-COVID patients should also be provided with resources and support groups so that they can better manage their own recovery process.
With proper diagnosis, treatment plans, monitoring progress, rehabilitative strategies, supportive resources and alternative approaches – healthcare professionals can ensure that their patients receive effective care after recovering from a COVID infection.
Resources and support for post-COVID patients
Post-COVID condition can be a difficult and trying experience for patients and their families. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the resources available to post-COVID patients to provide the best possible care.
One of the most important resources for post-COVID patients are online support groups. These free groups provide a source of emotional support, community, and guidance from others who have experienced similar challenges. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for post-COVID patients to connect with others in similar situations and share tips on managing their symptoms.
Healthcare professionals should also familiarize themselves with expert suggestions and recommendations for post-COVID care. This includes advice on nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene, rehabilitation strategies, lifestyle modifications, medication, or other treatments specific to post-COVID condition.
It is important that healthcare professionals are able to advise their patients on these topics so that they can make informed decisions about their health and recovery plans.
This new series is delivered in 3 modules and incorporates learning how to recover and live with long COVID, strategies to minimize the risk of severe infection and treatment options available.
In addition to these resources mentioned above, there are many local, state, and national organizations which offer support services for those affected by COVID-19.
Visit our website to access more resources for patients and healthcare professionals regarding COVID-19.
Overall, understanding all of the options available when it comes to providing support and resources for those affected by post-COVID condition is essential for healthcare providers to be able offer optimal care plans tailored toward each individual’s needs.
Become an expert in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Condition (PCC)
Are you looking to gain more knowledge about COVID-19 and Post-COVID Condition (PCC)?
We know that dealing with COVID-19 is an ever-changing landscape. That is why we are thrilled to announce our new FREE CME course: COVID-19 Today: All you need to know from prevention, treatment, to post-COVID condition
Earn up to 2 hours of Continuing Education Credits and learn everything you need to know about acute COVID, general prevention, long COVID (or post-COVID condition) mechanisms, management, and more!
Co-developed with the Canadian Thoracic Society, this course is designed for specialists, family physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Enroll now and eXpand your knowledge.
