Recovery from COVID - it's a bit of a lottery!

21/10/2021

Recovery from COVID - it's a bit of a lottery!
Time is a big healer but the acculumating data offers some pointers.

Many people are feeling rather down at the moment especially if they are recovering from a bout of the dreaded COVID. Because of its unpredictability, COVID infection recovery can leave some asking will they ever feel better again especially those suffering the physical and emotional aftermath of falling ill with this wretched virus.

Recovery for many is ongoing and for some has been tragically life changing.

Thankfully, for the most symptoms may have been mild and recovery has been full but for those with prolonged post-viral symptoms time will ultimately be the biggest healer.

Data is emerging suggesting that for most people full recovery is achieved 7-14 days after their first symptoms;

• For those with prolonged aches and pains a further month or so may be needed for things to ease.
• For those with prolonged cough and shortness of breath a further 6 weeks may be needed for things to ease.
• For those with prolonged fatigue a further 3 months or more may be needed for things to ease.

By 6 months after the initial symptoms most long-COVID symptoms should be easing… but, all this is early data and does not relate to people who needed intensive hospital care.

The take home message for long-haulers is to keep positive and take care of your modifiable life style factors, especially your diet sensible levels of activity and exercise. Don’t push your body to get better quicker than that it can.

No body has a magic wand for this as recovery for the most is a simply matter of time with healthcare support where needed.

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