The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has left its mark on 2020. The infectious disease caused by the virus, COVID-19, has since been a consistent part of our daily lives. The accompanying pandemic regulations have led to significant events. Modern society was faced with a completely new situation. A Corona infection can trigger a variety of symptoms, varying greatly in severity, from asymptomatic to intensive care treatment or even death. The various severity levels of the illness fuel fears and concerns. Those who have been infected with Corona rightfully hope for a complication-free course and a quick recovery. However, many people report various late effects after recovery, most of which suggest Long-Covid symptoms. These late effects often manifest with nonspecific symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life. Not infrequently, those affected seek their way to better well-being through holistic treatment methods.
Possible disease mechanisms of Long-COVID are discussed, including:
- SARS-CoV-2 virus persistence,
- An autoimmune or autoinflammatory event,
- Dysfunction of the vascular inner walls accompanied by increased thrombosis tendency,
- Overwhelmed cellular waste disposal (phagocytosis), or
- Reactivation of EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) or CMV (Cytomegalovirus).
More Quality of Life through Treatment of Long & Post-Covid, Making Life Easier Again
The late effects of a Corona infection (also called Long Covid) can significantly impact daily life. Therefore, comprehensive treatment of Long and Post-Covid is of great importance. The various treatment options lead to improved quality of life and significantly enhanced well-being.
What are Long and Post-Covid?
Long and Post-Covid collectively refer to the health late effects of a Covid-19 infection. These long-term effects occur after an acute infection and can impact the lives of those affected to varying degrees. Long Covid refers to complaints that persist or appear at least four weeks after the infection. We talk about Post Covid for complaints that exist or appear at least twelve weeks after the infection. Generally, those affected by Long and Post-Covid are no longer contagious, but the existing impairments affect both physical and mental health.
Symptoms of Long Covid are very individual and vary in intensity. They range from heart complaints, metabolic diseases, to thromboses that can also lead to embolisms. Concentration disorders or sleep problems and severe depression are possible. Fatigue, characterized by profound tiredness linked to depleted energy reserves or stress disorders, is particularly common. Other typical signs include shortness of breath. Additionally, a quarter of those affected not only suffer from depression but also various anxiety disorders. Recurring fever or headaches can also indicate long-term effects.
In summary, the complaints of Post- or Long-COVID Syndrome can be grouped into six clusters:
- Pain syndromes / sensations of abnormality (paresthesias)
- Exhaustibility / Fatigue
- Symptoms of the heart and lung (cardiopulmonary complaints)
- Sensory perception disorders (sensory)
- Neurological limitations and cognitive performance disorders (neurocognitive complaints)
- Mental restrictions, psychosomatic, psychiatric disorders
Currently, there is no clear definition of Long Covid yet. However, observations have identified various risk factors for late effects, such as obesity or other pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, old age is considered a risk factor for subsequent symptoms. Yet, besides these high-risk patients, young patients without pre-existing conditions can also develop Long-Covid symptoms.