COVID-19 Vaccinations available for 5 years old and older - More information here. OUR HOSPITALS Could You Be Suffering From Long COVID? Share this story: November 17, 2021 Clinical Contributors to this Story Laurie G. Jacobs, M.D. contributes to topics such as Internal Medicine. While most people recover from COVID-19 after a few weeks, others continue to suffer long after the virus no longer shows up on a COVID test. The world is getting better at preventing and caring for COVID-19 with vaccines and treatments. But this new condition, which goes by several names, including long COVID, long-haul COVID, chronic COVID and post-acute COVID-19 conditions, remains largely misunderstood. Who’s at Risk for Long COVID? While we know certain risk factors increase the chances of experiencing serious COVID symptoms, including those who smoke, have high blood pressure, have diabetes or are overweight, experts don’t know why some continue to suffer with COVID symptoms long after infection. Long COVID can affect anyone, including young people—even children—as well as those who are athletic and otherwise healthy. It can strike both those who had severe symptoms, those who had very mild symptoms and even those who had no symptoms at all when they tested positive. Signs of Long COVID Long-haulers’ symptoms vary widely, but the most common include: Fatigue Discomfort after exertion Brain fog Sleep problems Heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat Muscle aches and joint pain Shortness of breath Dizziness and vertigo Headache Hair loss Sore throat Cough Low-grade, intermittent fevers Anxiety and/or depression Earache, hearing loss and/or ringing in the ears Rashes Some people have only one of the symptoms, while others have several. Help for Long-Haulers Hackensack Meridian Health’s COVID Recovery Center (833-565-0405) is dedicated to helping COVID-19 patients after their recovery. The COVID Recovery Center provides: A group of doctors who have treated over a thousand patients suffering from Covid Long Haul symptoms Continuing care for those experiencing enduring side effects such as lung, heart and behavioral health problems, with access to research and new advances A specialized COVID Rehabilitation Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute A specialized multidisciplinary COVID Recovery Center just for children and adolescents up to age 22 Remember, the best way to prevent long COVID is to not get the virus at all. Get vaccinated and follow current CDC guidance for mask wearing and social gatherings. Next Steps & Resources: Meet our source: Laurie Jacobs, M.D. Learn more about the COVID Recovery Center, including how to request an appointment Get your COVID-19 vaccine – schedule now 3 reasons not to use ivermectin to treat COVID Should you get a COVID booster shot? The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care. eNewsletter Sign up to receive the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender Male Female Unspecified Popular Stories Can Heart Failure Be Reversed? Hackensack Meridian Cardiologists Using Shockwave to Improve Heart Disease Treatment 6 Reasons You Many Need Pelvic Floor Rehab 4 Easy and Healthy Sides to Add to Your Thanksgiving Table John Theurer Cancer Center Takes the Top Spot and Prize in the 2021 Breeders Crown... You May Also Be Interested In Articles and Videos, Cardiac / Heart Health, Featured, Health Topics Can Heart Failure Be Reversed? Heart failure is one of the top killers in the United States, claiming about 380,000 lives every year. But while… Articles and Videos, Featured, Health Topics, Weight Loss, Wellness 4 Easy and Healthy Sides to Add to Your Thanksgiving Table The holidays can be filled with lots of laughter, love and joy, but also accompanied by hefty calories and temporary… Articles and Videos, Cardiac / Heart Health, Featured, Health Topics 4 Early Signs of Heart Failure You Can’t Ignore Everyone gets short of breath once in a while. But if it happens when you’re not exercising or dashing around… Articles and Videos, Cardiac / Heart Health, Featured, Health Topics, Wellness Worst Foods to Eat for Your Health If you haven’t thought about whether or not the foods that you consume are truly nourishing you, take time to… Get Care Now. Hannah Can Help!