Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been fortunate to learn the disease has a high survival rate across the board.
This is comforting in the chance you contract the disease.
However, most people do not know COVID-19 can produce some long-term effects. According to the CDC, these include excessive fatigue, depression, altered taste and smell, shortness of breath, chronic cough, heart palpitations and difficulty concentrating.
Unfortunately, the significance of these effects is not yet known. Until we understand these long-term effects, measures can be taken to reduce symptoms.
At this time, the most common long-term effect of COVID-19 seems to be excessive fatigue. Although this symptom can feel debilitating, it can be managed.
According to the National Health Service, fighting excessive fatigue includes exercising more. Even though it may be difficult, getting a body moving is the first step to shaking fatigue.
Personally, I find it much harder to start moving than I do to continue moving. For example, when I have a busy day, I usually only have a couple hours to workout. Because this is the only time I have, I have no problem going straight from work to exercising. However, on a Sunday, when I have all day to work out, the longer I wait, the harder it is to be active.
Once a person starts activity, they feel better psychologically, and report more energy afterward. If you are just beginning to exercise, try something low-impact, such as walking.
Fighting excessive fatigue also involves getting proper rest. Many people find it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia can be initiated through many factors, one of them being stress and anxiety (which has risen in recent months).
On average, most people need eight hours of sleep per night, though few get this rest consistently. If you are struggling to fall asleep, try sleep training. This includes excluding from alcohol before bed (as alcohol wakes you up throughout the night), trying to have a regular sleep schedule and using your bed only for sleeping (not eating, watching TV or reading).
The National Health Service also recommends drinking more water, and reducing caffeine consumption and stress.
Although there is little known about the long-term effects of COVID-19, we can use what we know right now to help those who are struggling. If you have had COVID-19 and are experiencing long-term effects, consult with your physician prior to starting an exercise regimen. You might also want to be evaluated by a physical therapist, athletic trainer or exercise physiologist once your doctor clears you for exercise to help plan your exercise program safely.
Mackenzie Strother works for Capital Region as an athletic trainer. She splits her time between working with people in the Sam B. Cook Healthplex and California High School.