What is the post-COVID-19 condition?
The post-COVID-19 condition is defined by the set of late symptoms in some people with a probable or confirmed history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months after the onset of the acute phase and lasting at least 2 months. Symptoms may develop during or after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What are the main symptoms of this condition?
The most frequent symptoms in the post-COVID-19 condition include:
- fatigue
- dyspnoea/respiratory distress with no other attributable cause
- changes in the sense of smell
- taste changes
- depression
- anxiety cognitive
- dysfunction
Symptoms can develop during or after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and have an impact on a person's quality of life.
What is meant by acute SARS-CoV-2 infection?
SARS-CoV-2 infection is defined as the first four weeks after the onset of the disease. That is, it is defined by:
- First day of symptoms, in symptomatic people
- date of the laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2 that confirmed the diagnosis, in people without symptoms or unable to identify the day of symptom onset
How is this condition diagnosed?
The diagnosis is clinical and should be considered when there is strong suspicion, even in the absence of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test history. Its main objectives are the recognition, as early as possible, of the symptoms and signs suggestive of serious and life-threatening complications and a symptomatic and functional recovery.
Users who, at the end of isolation measures, are at risk of progressing to the post-COVID-19 condition should undergo a clinical assessment, preferably by teleconsultation, between 4 and 6 weeks after the beginning of the acute phase.
Which users can be considered for the diagnostic approach of this post-COVID-19 condition?
The post-COVID-19 approach model applies to users with:
- confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, which, during the acute phase:
- were in self-care at home
- were followed by Primary Health Care
- were referred to Primary Health Care units after hospital discharge due to COVID-19
- strong clinical suspicion, even in the absence of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test
Doesn't the COVID-19 vaccine prevent the development of this condition?
Vaccination against COVID-19 has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptomatic and severity of the acute phase (lower number of symptoms and risk of hospitalization), as well as in the duration of symptoms after the acute phase. Some recent data point to the existence of efficacy in reducing the likelihood of developing this condition post-COVID-19.
How should the resumption of activities of daily living be carried out?
The gradual return to activities of daily living should take into account different levels:
- General Health Care:
- Sufficient and healthy food
- Abundant hydration
- Proper sleep and rest habits
- limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco
- Physical activity:
- Start at your own pace and gradually increase in intensity, according to tolerance
- In athletes, start with stretching, muscle strengthening and gait exercises
- Increase rest periods between workouts
- Avoid high-intensity exercise
- In the presence of exacerbation of post-exertional symptoms, it is recommended to use energy conservation strategies
- Support and Support Networks:
- Maintain frequent contact with family and friends
- establish contacts with support networks and social support, particularly in the community
- Resume to life activities:
- progressively resuming activities of daily living, including employment/occupation
- Set attainable short, medium and long-term goals
Source: Directorate-General for Health