Most common symptoms of long covid

SOME PEOPLE MAY BE AT HIGHER RISK  A few folks may be more at risk for long COVID than others, though Duggal emphasizes that “no one gets a free pass.” People who had underlying health

conditions before their coronavirus infection may be more likely to develop long COVID, the CDC says. Research also finds that more women report long COVID symptoms than men, and it tends to

be more prevalent in middle-aged adults.  According to the CDC, unvaccinated individuals are more likely to get long COVID than people who received the vaccine. And research, while still

ongoing, has also shown that people who treat COVID-19 with an antiviral like Paxlovid are less likely to experience lingering symptoms.  “When you’re vaccinated or when you treat yourself

early on, the burden of virus is much less, and, therefore, I think you are less likely to go on to develop these longer-term symptoms,” says Paul Offit, M.D., an infectious disease

physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and author of the book _Tell Me When It’s Over: An Insider’s Guide to Deciphering COVID Myths and Navigating our Post-Pandemic World_. “So I

think anything that decreases viral replication — whether it’s vaccination or whether it is early treatment — is a value.” TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR EARLY IF YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS Lots of

questions surrounding long COVID are still unanswered, but one thing is certain: Experts say if you had COVID-19 and notice any new or prolonged symptoms three or four weeks out from your

infection, talk to your primary care physician. Don’t wait months before calling for an appointment, Vanichkachorn says. If you don’t have a primary care provider, seek care from an

internist, Duggal adds. There isn’t a one-size-fits all treatment for long COVID, Offit says, and that’s because there likely isn’t just one cause. Right now, a lot of it comes down to

managing individual symptoms and providing supportive care, and Vanichkachorn says the earlier you start that treatment, the better. AARP research, however, found that less than half of the

adults surveyed saw their health care provider to address their ongoing COVID-related symptoms. It’s also important for people with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or 

diabetes to reach out to their doctor if they notice a change in their numbers after recovering from COVID-19, says Sabyasachi Sen, M.D., professor of medicine at the George Washington

University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. It could signal a long-term effect from the infection. The CDC has tips for patients on how to plan for an appointment to discuss long

COVID. The agency recommends preparing a list of your current and past medical conditions in advance, and writing down your experience with COVID-19 and any new or lingering conditions. Be

sure to include:  * When they started. * How they affect your life. * How often they occur. * What makes them worse. Finally, bring a list of your current medications, including

over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to your appointment, and ask questions when you have them.  _Editor’s Note: This story, first published on May 19, 2022, has been updated with new

information._