Long COVID is a set of symptoms that appear and persist for an extended period after the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The WHO says it has symptoms that last at least two months and can't be explained or related to another condition. Since there is no specific list of symptoms, but they vary from person to person, it can initially
Long COVID is a set of symptoms that appear and persist for an extended period after the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The WHO says it has symptoms that last at least two months and can't be explained or related to another condition. Since there is no specific list of symptoms, but they vary from person to person, it can initially be difficult to identify the condition.
If you had COVID a while ago and have experienced related symptoms within three months after the initial infection, seek immediate help from healthcare professionals for a comprehensive evaluation. At Mitogenesis, we have the best specialists who can diagnose long COVID and offer you a holistic treatment. It is crucial to highlight that it can affect people who had a mild or even asymptomatic illness, as well as those who experienced severe cases.
This condition presents various symptoms that appear in different magnitudes and affect multiple systems of the body. Among the most common, but not the only ones, are:
Extreme fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of long COVID. Patients report a feeling of exhaustion that does not improve with rest, changes in sleep patterns, or diet. If left untreated, it significantly interferes with their daily activities, makes people more prone to accidents, and reduces their physical and cognitive abilities.
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can persist for weeks or months after the initial infection. Respiratory problems are the most common symptoms of the initial infection, and even in people who did not experience severe respiratory issues during the acute phase, they may suffer from them during long COVID.
A large number of patients diagnosed with long COVID experience cognitive difficulties. Popularly, it is called "brain fog," although it is a set of symptoms that include concentration problems, poor short-term memory, and lack of mental clarity, which makes decision-making difficult.
This symptom has been reported by many patients and is often one of the first to appear. By varying in intensity and affecting the mobility of different extremities, it can be confused with other conditions, but if it does not improve with traditional treatments, it will affect the quality of life of the patients and will require specialized treatment for long COVID.
Persistent or recurrent headaches are common in people with long COVID, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as "brain fog."
Some patients continue to experience loss or alterations in their sense of taste and smell long after recovering from the initial infection. Some studies have produced preliminary results suggesting potential causes for this symptom. So if you experience it after the acute phase of the illness, consult a specialist for a long COVID test.
Insomnia and other sleep disorders, such as non-restorative sleep, are common and can exacerbate other symptoms of long COVID.
Some individuals report accelerated or irregular heartbeats, known as palpitations, which can be concerning and require medical evaluation.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, have also been observed in patients with long COVID.
Although all people who suffered from COVID-19, regardless of the intensity or symptoms they showed, can develop long COVID, there are certain factors that increase the risk of doing so. The main ones that have been identified are:
Women seem to have a higher likelihood of experiencing long COVID, although the exact reasons are still being investigated. Some preliminary studies indicate that it may be related to the natural resistance of the immune system decreasing in women during menstruation or after pregnancy.
People over 65 years old have a higher risk of developing persistent symptoms, possibly due to changes in the immune system and the presence of other health conditions or comorbidities, mainly those related to the respiratory system (pneumonia, lung infections, asthma, among others) and the cardiovascular system (high blood pressure, heart problems, among others).
People who suffer from obesity have been identified as having a higher risk factor for developing long COVID, possibly due to the chronic inflammation associated with a high body mass index and comorbidities they often develop, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems, among others.
People who experienced more than five symptoms during the acute phase of the infection are more likely to develop prolonged long COVID.
If during the acute phase of COVID-19 you suffered from or have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders, you may be more susceptible to long COVID, although more research is needed in this area.
Socioeconomic factors, such as limited access to healthcare and living conditions, can influence the risk and severity of long COVID. The environment where you live or work can affect your overall health and make you more prone to this condition.
Although research is ongoing, there are several scientific theories about why some people develop persistent symptoms after overcoming the initial COVID-19 infection. These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive and could coexist in different combinations in each patient:
Some studies have found fragments of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in tissues of patients weeks or even months after the acute phase. This viral persistence could trigger a chronic inflammatory response from the immune system, contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Prolonged long COVID occurs due to a dysregulated immune reaction that may be present before the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The immune system could remain hyperactive or confused, attacking the body itself, which resembles autoimmune diseases. This would explain symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain.
In some cases, the virus can cause direct damage to organs such as the heart, lungs, or brain. This damage, although microscopic, could lead to long-term consequences, affecting cellular function and the body's oxygenation.
It has been proposed that COVID-19 can alter the gut microbiota, contributing to systemic inflammation, digestive problems, and neurological disorders, especially when the intestinal barrier is compromised.
Genetic predisposition could also play a role. Some people might have genetic variants that affect how their immune system responds to the virus or how their body recovers from inflammatory stress, similar to what happens with people who are immune to the virus.
The experience of living through a severe or prolonged infection can have a lasting psychological impact. Anxiety, insomnia, and depression, whether preexisting or new, can amplify or prolong physical symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break without specialized attention.
At Mitogenesis, the diagnosis of long COVID is made through a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. This approach takes into account not only the symptoms but also the individual causes and biomarkers. Unlike conventional approaches, here the in-depth study of each person's cellular, metabolic, and immunological state is prioritized.
Each person is different and develops symptoms for various reasons. For that reason, we always start with a comprehensive consultation, where specialists conduct a complete medical history, identify all current symptoms, and review the history of the COVID-19 infection. Not only is the duration of the symptoms, severity, and impact on quality of life considered, but also the environment in which the person lives, the interactions they have had with the infection, and their risk factors.
Mitogenesis employs cutting-edge technology to detect systemic dysfunctions caused by the virus. Among the tools used are:
The diagnostic process at Mitogenesis is not limited to identifying clinical labels. It is about understanding how multiple systems (immune, neurological, digestive, and hormonal) are interrelated in the persistence of symptoms. This integrative approach allows for the design of specific and effective therapeutic strategies, even for complex cases that have not responded to conventional treatments.
Ready to start your journey towards recovery?
If you are dealing with persistent symptoms after COVID-19, at Mitogenesis we offer you a comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based therapies to help you regain your well-being.
Book your personalized consultation at Mitogenesis today and discover a healing plan tailored to your body and health history. Please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!
Long COVID: Lasting effects of COVID-19 (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351)
Long COVID Basics (https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html)
Risk Factors Associated with Long COVID Syndrome: A Retrospective Study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8611223/)
Prevalence, risk factors and characterisation of individuals with long COVID... (https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(24)00169-5/fulltext)
Dr. Mel Schottenstein
Naturopathic Doctor
NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
