Long COVID takes toll on those who had SARS-CoV-2 – Tahlequah Daily Press

The latest variant of COVID is the JN-1 coronavirus strain, deaths in the U.S. were up 10.3% Jan. 7-13, and more people are experiencing problems with what is labeled as Long COVID.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report for Cherokee County for that week states there were 26 hospitalizations, and the number represents a 25% decrease from the last reporting period. The hospitalizations average out to 10.8 per 100,000 people.

Long COVID is the topic of discussion within the scientific community, and CDC has posted news of the malady on its website.

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID conditions, states the site. Long COVID is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after acute COVID-19 infection.

This definition of Long COVID was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with CDC and other partners, states the site.

Colinda Guthrie, physicians assistant with the Commissioned Corps of U.S. Public Health Service, said Long COVID is prevalent among those who have experienced COVID.

Almost everyone is experiencing some form of it. And they are hesitant to speak about it because they arent aware so many others are suffering from it as well, Guthrie said.

Several studies have been conducted in the past few months at Yale School of Medicine about the effects of Long COVID.

An article on the site http://www.yalemedicine.org by Kathy Katella, titled, What Happens When You Still Have Long COVID Symptoms? details the signs of Long COVID and states the symptoms linger for weeks, months or even years.

The symptoms, such as chronic pain, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and intense fatigue, can be debilitating. Severe cases of Long COVID can even affect the bodys organs, states the site.

According to CDC, Long COVID occurs more often in people who had a severe case with the virus. But anyone who has had the virus can experience some of the symptoms.

People can be reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, multiple times. Each time a person is infected or reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, they may have a risk of developing Long COVID, states the CDC site.

The National Library of Medicine reported in an article titled, Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements for Older Adults with Long COVID-19, published June 20, 2022, states that bioactive foods, supplements, and nutraceuticals [are] possible interventions against Long COVID syndrome.

Deana Franke, owner of Oasis Health Food Store, said many people are coming into her store, looking for relief from Long Covid.

We recommend B vitamins, zinc, extra vitamin C, Quercetin, vitamin D, and any of the immune supportive types like elderberry and mushrooms, Franke said. Be sure and take your vitamins during that time, because your body is fighting. And double up on your fluids to get things moving and not be dehydrated.

Guthrie said taking up an activity that stimulates the brain such as puzzles or a video game is also helpful in relieving symptoms of brain fog.

Take up a new activity you dont usually do to stimulate new neural pathways and bridge old things to new things, because [we have an] ability to have more than one focus at a time, Guthrie said. Two new activities I took up after COVID were Tai Chi and a musical instrument.

On the Kaiser Permanent website, a description of the symptoms that people suffer includes fatigue, trouble breathing, brain fog, and headaches. Some people experience depression and anxiety, pain in joints and muscles, diarrhea, belly pain and sporadic fever. Some may suffer from a cough and chest pain, racing heart, and dizziness when standing. Rashes have been reported as well as problems with smell, taste and sleeping. Menstrual changes may occur and a tingling sensation resembling pins and needles.

Learn more

To learn more about how supplements can help with lingering symptoms, go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and search for the article Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements for Older Adults with Long COVID-19, published June 20, 2022.

Read the rest here:

Long COVID takes toll on those who had SARS-CoV-2 - Tahlequah Daily Press