Some people who contracted the deadly Covid virus have fully recovered, but some are not so lucky. Others fortunate to have survived the deadly virus are experiencing long-lasting symptoms. These long-term effects after COVID-19 infection are now known as post-Covid conditions, more commonly referred to as Long Covid. These long Covid conditions can include various persistent health issues that may last weeks, months, and even years. Not much is known about long Covid, and some who have experienced long Covid for more than a year may expect some of these symptoms to last potentially a lifetime. Below we will cover what you need to know about long Covid, the symptoms, and how to avoid experiencing long covid symptoms.
Long Covid: What You Need to Know
There is no single test or diagnosis for a long Covid. Long Covid conditions and symptoms are often experienced by individuals who contracted a severe COVID-19 illness. However, it’s possible that anyone infected with COVID-19 can experience these long Covid symptoms. Even people with mild COVID-19 infection or no signs of disease may experience long Covid even after recovering from the initial illness. Unvaccinated people who became infected might potentially be at a higher risk of developing these long Covid symptoms than those who are fully vaccinated and have had breakthrough infections. Some individuals with post-Covid conditions may have evidence of disease. However, a person with post-Covid or long Covid symptoms may not have tested positive for the virus or even known that they were infected before experiencing their long Covid symptoms. Scientists around the globe are currently working on learning and understanding more about COVID-19 and long Covid symptoms experienced by individuals who contracted the virus and why they are experiencing these symptoms. Since the virus and reports of long covid are relatively new to the scientific community, there is not much research or data available.
Symptoms
There are over 200 reported symptoms of long covid.
The general symptoms of long Covid include:
- physical/mental fatigue
- fever,
- brain fog
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- chest pain
- abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- changes in smell and taste
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Rash
- Menstrual changes
- Muscle pain
The Symptoms of Long Covid found above may be vastly underreported, and the list of these symptoms will likely grow as more data and studies emerge.
Long Covid and Workers’ Compensation
Currently, in the U.S., about 16 states have introduced or passed legislation allowing employees who suffer from a contagious disease like COVID-19 to file workers’ compensation claims, presuming they contracted their illness at work, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). In California, Workers who have developed a Covid-19 infection may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits if they become ill due to their job duties. For example, if a nurse working with Covid patients becomes sick with covid, that nurse may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits. However, Long covid is viewed differently. The division of California’s workers’ compensation board has expressed that Long covid is not explicitly covered under workers’ compensation.
Preventing Long Covid
While there is no recorded cure for covid-19 and Long Covid, the best way to protect yourself from infection and lasting symptoms is to protect yourself and others from disease. The CDC and WHO recommend that individuals eligible for their covid-19 Vaccine get vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent the likelihood of contracting a severe case of covid and possibly Long covid.
In summary, the scientific community still studies the relationship between Long Covid and Covid-19. Since studies surrounding Covid and Long covid are ongoing, the long list of symptoms and severity will likely increase over the coming years. For those currently experiencing symptoms of long covid, it is highly recommended that you seek professional medical care to document and report your symptoms and receive treatment to alleviate the severity of your symptoms.
For workers who have suffered from Covid-19 and Long Covid because of their place of employment, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to determine your case eligibility concerning your Covid-19 infection. Please call (916) 288-9193 To Speak with a workers’ compensation attorney from Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorneys P.C.