What is long Covid?

Don't panic if you still feel extremely weak, climbing a few flights of stairs, four weeks after recovering from Covid-19. Scientists are becoming more aware of "long Covid" manifestations and how they may impact patients.

Long Covid is generally identified through persistent symptoms lasting more than three to four weeks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this trend is usually noticed in people who have serious underlying health conditions.

While there is a lack of research, current data suggests chances of having long Covid increase with age, and women are twice more likely to experience it.

According to the National Health Service (England), the following key symptoms may persist in long Covid cases: shortness of breath, 4 weeks after Covid recovery; extreme fatigue; chest pain; heart palpitations; and a change in taste or smell. 

There are currently no tests for long Covid. But if vaccines help against regular Covid infections, can they also help beat long Covid?

BBC has reported research where at least half of respondents experienced improvements in their symptoms after getting jabbed.

The data is still limited, and doctors have only now started to treat long Covid separately. But with the world slowly reopening, the best line of defence is to mask up at all times, maintain a good hygiene routine, and getting vaccinated when your time comes.