You might be DONE with the coronavirus, but it’s NOT finished with you yet.
Whether it was a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19, or you’re just sure you had the infection based on that fever, chills, and hacking cough you had weeks ago, you might THINK you’re in the clear now.
You fought the coronavirus, and you won. Now all that’s left is for you to get the T-shirt that says so. And you’re probably thanking your lucky stars that it’s over.
Well, not so fast. You’re not out of the woods yet.
New research reveals many COVID-19 patients continue to struggle long after “recovery.” They can battle strange and sometimes debilitating long-term health issues.
It turns out that while you may have knocked the coronavirus to the matt, it might NOT be down for the count.
So it’s vital to learn the most common post-COVID-19 warning signs. Be realistic with yourself about your recovery. And seek medical help if you find you’re experiencing any of the more serious long-term side effects of the disease.
The LONG-TERM damage of coronavirus infection
More than three million Americans have had a CONFIRMED case of coronavirus infection. And the actual number is much bigger. In fact, CDC Director Robert Redfield said last month he believes the total is 10 times higher.
That would mean some 30 million Americans have had a COVID-19 infection and recovered from it. And that includes, of course, many who were never tested, but strongly suspect they were infected based on symptoms they battled at some point this past spring or summer.
The good news for most folks is that the infection itself has passed. But the bad news is the RISKS of the virus may NOT have.
According to one disturbing observational study in the weeks and even months after having coronavirus infection type symptoms clear, some patients STILL report symptoms, including…
- debilitating fatigue
- shortness of breath
- chest “pressure”
- fuzzy thinking
- heart palpitations
- recurring fevers
And more.
These lingering symptoms aren’t just in folks who were hospitalized with the most severe cases, either. And they’re not only showing up in people who were sicker and weaker before the virus came along.
Most of the volunteers in the study that have been hit with these long-term symptoms weren’t ever hospitalized. And 85 percent said they were “generally healthy” before they caught the virus.
And that may not even be the worst of it. Another new report finds some coronavirus victims… those who are hit the hardest with the infection and end up in intensive care… can suffer from serious long-term health problems, including…
- blood clots
- stroke
- heart damage
- lung damage
- neurological issues
- PTSD
- anxiety
Studies on similar infections such as SARS and MERS show that it could take some patients years to FULLY recover IF they ever do.
Full COVID-19 recovery can take time
Now, as always, with the coronavirus, it’s important to understand there’s still a lot we don’t know about this disease yet. We need more research to be completed to fully understand the post-infection risks and how to handle them.
But in the meantime, you must take good care of yourself, not just during the infection… but long afterward, too.
That means following all of your doctor’s treatment instructions, even after the infection’s main symptoms have faded, and you think you’re better. It also means giving your body the basic tools it needs to fully heal, including getting plenty of sleep, reducing stress, staying hydrated, and watching your diet.
And talk to your doctor about supplementing with natural therapies that could help keep you healthy during your long-term recovery.
Your vitamin C and D levels may have been depleted during your illness, for example. Fish oil can help keep blood thin and flowing. And the Asian plant Insam, or ginseng, has been shown to support healthy breathing in some folks.
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