Post COVID-19 condition, or “Long COVID,” refers to the combination of long-term symptoms experienced by individuals after they have had COVID-19.

Clinical Long COVID definition (from the World Health Organization)

“Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.

Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others and generally have an impact on everyday functioning.

Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time.”

The most common symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition include (from the World Health Organization):

Fatigue
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Memory, concentration or sleep problems
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Trouble speaking
Muscle aches
Loss of smell or taste
Depression or anxiety
Fever

How long can these symptoms last (from the World Health Organization):

It is difficult to predict how long post COVID-19 condition will last for any given person.

We are still learning more about post COVID-19 condition, but current research shows that patients can experience lingering symptoms for weeks to months following COVID-19. The research also shows that patients can improve with time.

When should you see an Occupational Therapist?

If you are experiencing one or more of the following Long COVID symptoms

Memory or concentration problems
Fatigue
Activity scheduling for returning to activity
Difficulties sleeping
Depression or anxiety

… and if your daily functioning is being impacted by those symptoms!

Occupational Therapists can work with client’s to improve their functional capacity, strength, endurance and independence following a Covid-19 diagnosis.

What should you expect from Occupational Therapy treatment?

Strategies and exercises to manage memory and concentration problems
Execution of planning and pacing plans to manage fatigue
Graded activity approach to return to daily activities and work (if applicable)
Sleep hygiene strategies to create a functional sleep routine
Strategies to improve emotional wellness through doing

When should you seek treatment from an interdisciplinary team (OT, PT, speech)?

If you are experiencing a combination of the following symptoms:

Fatigue
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Memory, concentration or sleep problems
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Trouble speaking
Muscle aches
Loss of smell or taste
Depression or anxiety

If you are struggling with Post-Covid 19 symptoms and unsure if Occupational Therapy, or a multidisciplinary team approach is right for you, you can contact Chipperfield Physiotherapy and set up a free consultation with our Occupational Therapist Sabrina Hamilton.

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