Are You Struggling With Any of These Post-COVID Symptoms?

Recovering from COVID-19 may not end when the infection clears. Many people continue to experience symptoms long after their initial infection. Known as post-COVID or long COVID, these ongoing health issues can affect daily life for weeks or months.

If you’re experiencing changes in energy, mood, or physical health after COVID-19, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that about six out of every 100 people who contract COVID-19 develop post-COVID symptoms.

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our experienced team understands how frustrating and disruptive it can be to struggle with lingering symptoms of illness like brain fog, fatigue, and shortness of breath. We also know how this very new condition is often overlooked as the root cause of symptoms.

Knowing more about post-COVID can help you recognize what’s going on in your body and take steps toward recovery.

About post-COVID

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. While most people recover within a week or two, some continue to feel ill long after the initial infection has cleared.

Post-COVID symptoms typically appear within three months of infection and last two or more months. Although research is ongoing, this condition is known to affect multiple body systems and can significantly affect quality of life. 

Anyone who’s had COVID-19 can develop post-COVID symptoms. However, the risk is higher for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and smokers. It’s also more common in people with repeated infections or severe infections that lead to hospitalization.

Post-COVID symptoms

Researchers have identified more than 200 symptoms associated with post-COVID. Some of the most common include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Breathlessness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headaches
• Changes in taste or smell

Other reported symptoms include difficulty sleeping, digestive issues, and irregular heartbeat. Post-COVID may also increase the risk of other health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or heart-related complications.

When to seek medical help

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms for three or more months after a COVID-19 infection, seek medical help. 

There’s no test that can diagnose post-COVID. Further, some people may not link their symptoms to COVID-19 if their infection was mild or caused no symptoms. 

Diagnosis is typically based on your medical history, prior COVID-19 testing, and a thorough clinical evaluation. Post-COVID isn’t a single disease, but rather a term used to describe a group of persistent symptoms following infection.

Managing post-COVID symptoms

As a new health condition, there’s no standard treatment for post-COVID. Care is personalized based on your specific symptoms and needs. 

Treatment options may include:

• Medications to manage symptoms
• Disease-specific therapies
• Tailored physical therapy programs
• Mental health support

Because post-COVID symptoms can affect multiple body systems, a holistic approach to care is often most effective. While recovery can take time, many people improve with the right support and management.

Living with post-COVID symptoms can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Validation, guidance, and support are key parts of recovery, and our team at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland can help. 

If you think you have post-COVID, let us help you find answers and develop a plan for moving forward. Call our office in Midland, Michigan, today or click the “Book online” button to make an appointment.