After more than two years of facing one of the most serious health crises of the modern era, it seems that it has finally been controlled. The world today is experiencing one of the lowest points of transmission of the SARS CoV-2 virus. It does not mean that everything is over but at least it gives hope to the global population. But although there are now fewer new cases than ever before, attention to patients with persistent Covid-19 and that is why you must follow the following recommendations.
What is persistent Covid-19?
First of all, this new phase of the disease must be understood. In a simple way it is used for describe survivors who continue to have discomfort or sequelae 12 weeks after discharge from the hospital.
For its part, an investigation published in The Lancet is considered the most complete to date. It mentions a total of 203 sequels that have been identified. Within the list, those that are repeated most frequently are the following:
- Fatigue.
- Tiredness.
- Mental confusion.
- Visual hallucinations.
- Tremors.
- Skin itch.
- Changes in the menstrual cycle.
- sexual dysfunction.
- Heart palpitations.
- Bladder control problems.
- Herpes.
- Memory loss.
- Blurry vision.
- Diarrhea.
- Tinnitus.
Therefore, now the important thing is to identify the recommendations that patients with Covid-19 should follow. In this regard, the Greg Vanichkachorn, MD, Mayo Clinic points out five main aspects for the successful recovery of affected people.
1. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
“Something we see repeatedly is patients putting too much pressure on themselves as they try to recover. It is understandable, since after the infection and isolation, everyone is anxious to return to their normal life, “explains the director of the Program for the rehabilitation of activity after Covid-19 and physician in the Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine at Mayo Clinic.
In patients trying to return to normal life too quickly, Dr. Vanichkachorn says there is a flare-up of fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle aches, which can last from hours to days. Because this forces them to rest, they can enter a cycle of trying to resume normal life and suffering setbacks that leave them demoralized and in poor physical shape.
2. Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods
“During acute infection, many patients are not hungry and this can be made worse when there are problems with the senses of taste and smell. Some patients get used to this and forget the importance of good nutrition,” says Dr. Vanichkachorn.
The doctor also assures that it is important to hydrate in sufficient quantity, with 2.7 to 3.7 liters of liquids daily.
3. Focus on endurance activities
When the patients exercise after suffering from Covid-19they often choose activities that increase their heart rate, such as walking or bicycling.
“However, we see that the most difficult type of activity for patients with Post Covid-19 Syndrome is cardiovascular exercise. So, start better with resistance activities (resistance bands, light weights, yoga, or Pilates) and once that goes well, add some light cardio.”
4. Optimize sleep
Many patients with persistent Covid-19 take naps but it is not one of the most appropriate recommendations. The reason is because it disturbs the sleep schedule. It is important to sleep in the best possible way and, for this, the first thing is to make sure that the area where one sleeps is ideal.
The tips for better sleep They include the following: making sure the room has good air circulation and that the temperature is a little cooler than during the day; Minimize electronic distractions, such as using your mobile phone in bed, because this keeps your brain stimulated enough to stay awake. do not consume caffeine after lunch, and avoid exercising for two hours before going to sleep. It also helps to work on maintaining a normal daytime schedule, that is, waking up at a certain time, eating at regular times, and having a bedtime routine.
5. Retrain your sense of smell
“After acute Covid-19 infection, about 33 percent of patients have long-term problems with their senses of taste and smell. Fortunately, most patients improve within 6 months and many more do so within 12 months. However, if you want to speed things up, I recommend retraining your sense of smell.”