Have you just recovered from Covid-19? It is not advisable to let the guard down since an increasing number of people are continuing to experience symptoms even after recovery - known as "long-haul Covid."

In such cases, a patient continues to experience symptoms up to four to twelve weeks after initial recovery.

Most people who had COVID-19, recover completely within a few weeks. But some people, even those who had milder versions of the disease-continue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery. These health issues are called post-COVID-19 syndromes. They're generally considered to be effects of COVID-19 and persist for more than four weeks after been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

Older people, patients with many comorbidities, patients who had prolonged hospitalisation and have been on oxygen therapy and on ventilator, are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms.

Covid-19 is a viral illness that can cause long-term sequelae involving multiple organs, especially the lungs. Available data indicates that about a quarter of those with Covid-19 suffer from symptoms 4-5 weeks after testing positive, and about 1 in 10 experience symptoms after 12 weeks.

While there is no conclusive evidence, people may experience post-Covid conditions due to the persistence of the virus in some parts of the body that are sheltered from the immune system.

Covid-19 is known to affect multiple organs- some of the warning signs are continuous shortness of breath, chest pain, breathing trouble, the reappearance of fever, fatigue, painful joints or muscles, and dizziness on standing.

This virus has the potential to directly involve lung cells, leading to lung fibrosis.

In its post-Covid management protocol,  the first follow-up after recovery should be within seven days after discharge.

Poly-therapy (use of multiple medications) should be avoided due to the potential for unknown drug-drug interaction, which may lead to Serious Adverse Events.

If there is a persistent dry cough or sore throat, it is recommended to do saline gargles (turmeric and salt) and steam inhalation. Cough medication should be taken on the advice of a doctor.

What are the precautions should one take after recovering from Covid-19?

People with co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or renal failure should immediately go back to their ongoing/regular medication. Because of Covid-19, people should not stop their normal treatment.

Secondly, after recovering, one should consult a doctor and do some tests to see whether Covid-19 has impacted end organs like the heart, kidney, liver.

Other precautions include: staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids, practicing breathing exercises and meditation, following a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol. Post covid, covid vaccination can be done 90 days pst recovery from the infection.

When can I resume workout, exercises after recovering?

One key concern of people after Covid-19 recovery is about the right time to resume workout sessions. The ideal way is to start slow and do low-intensity exercises.

For those dealing with respiratory symptoms like pneumonia, it is best to rest for a week or 10 days before resuming workout routine. Those suffering from chronic cardiac issues should take a break of 4-6  weeks before returning to any exercise regimen.

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Post covid, it is ideal to get covid vaccination after 90 daysafter recovery, Pneumococcal vaccination protects against pneumococci after one has had COVID-19. Also, it is safe to get the pneumococcal vaccination; no unexpected side-effects will occur.

Other adult vaccination to prevent Flu is influenza vaccine, also commonly known as Flujab. Flu jab is the best protection against serious complications from flu. After the flu jab, one will have a lower risk of getting flu. And even if one gets the flu, the chances of becoming seriously ill is less, with reduced rate of hospitalisation.

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