How to Avoid 'Long COVID', According to DOH

Continue to mask up.

by Erwin Colcol

Photo/s: Eloisa Lopez, Reuters

The Department of Health on Sunday urged the public to continue practicing minimum health standards as it warned against the so-called long COVID, or the post-infection condition which occurs months after a person catches the coronavirus.

A person may experience long COVID if he or she exhibits symptoms even after recovering from COVID-19. The symptoms can be felt usually three months after infection and may last for at least two months, the DOH said.

READ: Long COVID Is Real, Here's What to Look Out For

What are the symptoms of long COVID?

According to DOH, the following symptoms may be experienced by a person suffering from post COVID-19 condition:

Fatigue
Cough
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Joint pain

Can long COVID be diagnosed?

To date, there is no test to diagnose long COVID, the DOH said. The public is advised to consult their doctor or healthcare provider for first aid.

Go to your nearest emergency room if you are experiencing the following:

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Difficulty breathing (catching breath, can only say one word)
Severe chest pain
Lightheadedness
Fainting

How can you avoid long COVID?

The best way to avoid long COVID is by making sure that you don't get COVID-19 in the first place, the DOH said.

"We know what works: continue practicing minimum public health standards (wear the best fitting mask, isolate when sick, ensure good airflow), and also get vaccinated as soon as possible and boosted once eligible," it added.

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