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Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions can be happened four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, could be a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health old problems.
Even people who did not have COVID-19 symptoms in the days or weeks after they were infected can have post-COVID conditions. These conditions can present as different types and combinations of health problems for different lengths of time..
These post-COVID conditions may also be known as long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID.
People commonly report experiencing different combinations of the following symptoms(1):
* The International Symptom Survey.(2),(3)
Having a post-COVID condition or supporting someone with a post-COVID condition can be challenging, especially when there are few or no immediate answers or solutions. Experts are still determining which types of medications or treatments can help to relieve the effects of these conditions.(4)
However, there are ways to help relieve some of the additional burdens of experiencing a new and unknown condition.
Here are some steps you can do to help manage and cope with stress related to post-COVID(4):
Here are some suggestions from nutritionists:
Once you’ve recovered from COVID-19, your body needs support for quick healing. Some studies have shown that ginseng may promote quickly restore physical strength and help enhance tolerance ability from stimulation. Ginseng has also been shown to help fight fatigue and boost energy. Therefore, adding Ginseng to your diet is a beneficial way to reduce tiredness from post-COVID symptoms and promote physical health.(5),(6)
Vitamin C helps keep your immune system healthy. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables. Since vitamin C is water soluble and is used so often in your body, it is ideal to eat a food with vitamin C with each meal to ensure your body has the defense it needs. For example, drink orange juice with breakfast, or eat some guava/ kiwi for dessert.(7)
Zinc is another mineral essential for a healthy immune system. If you don’t get enough zinc, you are at a higher risk for infection. However, if you do get enough zinc, more is not better because of problems such as low copper levels and HDL-C levels (the “good” cholesterol). Zinc is found mostly in seafood and meat and, to a lesser extent, in yogurt, nuts and beans.(7)
As you recover, your body may be experiencing a significant amount of inflammation as a result of fighting COVID-19 virus. Omega-3 may help with reducing excess inflammation. Provide omega-3s in this case would be helpful. Omega-3s are found mostly in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring,…. Chia seeds, ground flaxseeds and edamame provide a healthy type of omega-3s as well. Aim to eat fatty fish two times a week to reach your goals, and/or consider supplementing.(7)
Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. As we get older, our thirst sensation is not as acute, and we tend to drink less. So, like eating, it is a good idea to drink on somewhat of a schedule. We actually absorb fluids better when we drink throughout the day rather than having a lot of fluid at once.(8),(9)
In conclusion, to overcome post-COVID conditions and regain your strength, lifestyle balance to control stress, establish a nutritious diet and enhance immune system are basical activities. Besides, keep protecting yourself and community by complying with 5K, reduce COVID re-infection risk.