The Growing Understanding of Long COVID
As our understanding of long COVID continues to mature, it is becoming increasingly clear that it may actually consist of multiple disease entities with unique characteristics and definitions.
The Healthcare Burden of Long COVID
Long COVID is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it requires extensive testing and investigation to rule out other illnesses that could present with similar symptoms. As a result, it places a significant burden on healthcare systems and resources.
Management of long COVID is currently mainly symptomatic, with treatments such as cough mixtures and antihistamines used to alleviate prolonged coughing and poor sleep. For more complex symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue, a comprehensive strategy including planning, pacing, practicing, and pushing is recommended.
It is important for healthcare professionals to remain up-to-date with the latest information and guidelines for diagnosing and managing long COVID, as the understanding of this complex condition continues to evolve.
