BENGALURU: Nachappa, 37, recovered from Covid-19 almost a month ago. The Sanjaynagar resident always woke up before 5am but has been finding it tough to fall asleep before 3am.
“My sleep cycle got disturbed when I got infected with Covid, and I hoped it would get all right. But day-long fatigue, occasional headaches and insomnia are making it tough for me to return to my routine,” the marketing professional said.
Like Nachappa, several Bengalureans who have recovered from Covid are experiencing prolonged after-effects, which some doctors call the ‘Long Covid syndrome’.
Piya Das said apart from disturbed sleep and insomnia, she can’t climb stairs to her home on the third floor without her chest hurting. “A family doctor told me about Long Covid symptoms, and I feel that’s the case. I plan to get a scan done,” the homemaker added.
Dr Sreekanta Swamy, head of neurology, Aster RV Hospital, said they are seeing three to four patients with the syndrome every week.
“A study by The Lancet Neurology and The Lancet Psychiatry shows that after Covid recovery, there are many symptoms that persist from a few months to 1-2 years. That is why it is called Long Covid syndrome,” Dr Swamy said, adding that apart from symptoms such as extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, headache, dizziness, body pain and lack of concentration, pre-existing health problems also worsen.
“But gradually these will all settle,” he said, explaining that there are several reasons behind Long Covid syndrome. “People can visit specialised doctors based on the symptoms they experience. There is no specific treatment as such but nothing to be scared of as they will subside over time,” Dr Swamy added.
Early treatement is key
Dr Hirenappa Udnur, consultant-pulmonology and sleep medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal said the exact cause of Long Covid is unknown, but genetic factors and vaccination status could be among the many reasons for it. “Seeking early treatment is the key to avoiding Long Covid. Vaccination can also be used as a preventive tool,” Dr Udnur said, adding that as the number of Covid-19 infections is decreasing, the number of Long Covid cases is also reducing.
He added that the traumatic experience of Covid-19 might also lead to symptoms like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
