Long COVID has been preliminarily defined as the presence of signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19 which continue for 12 weeks or more.
Long COVID affects people who have been hospitalized with acute COVID-19 and those who recovered at home. Individuals who have experienced either mild or severe COVID-19 can go on to have prolonged symptoms or develop Long COVID.
Long COVID is a multi-system disease; there are over 200 listed symptoms which occur in variable combinations and can fluctuate in both predictable and unpredictable patterns of flare-ups and remissions.
The most common symptoms of Long COVID after 6 months is extreme exhaustion (faitgue), post-exertional symptom exacerbation, problems with memory and concentration (brain fog). Other common symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle pain, joint pain, depression and anxiety, tinnitus, earaches, feeling sick, diarrhea, stomach aches, loss of appetite and rashes.
Sparta Community Hospital is now offering a COVID Long-Hauler exercise program for a safe and effective rehabilitation, which is a fundamental part of recovery for those suffering long-hauler symptoms, at The Center.
Rehabilitation for long COVID must be tailored to the individual, depending on their symptoms, goals, and preferences.
For more information on the COVID Long-Hauler program, please call Larry Bernardoni at 618-443-6966.