Medical experts have shared the best ways to recover after being hit with coronavirus.
The potentially devastating consequences of contracting coronavirus are well known, but less familiar are the debilitating mid to long term effects that can persist as a patient recovers.
According to the BHSF (a not-for-profit health and wellbeing provider), health challenges can include both physical and psychological effects, especially if the patient was hospitalised and required to use an oxygen mask.
Muscle weakness from long hospital stays means that some will need physiotherapy to help make them walk again.
Lung capacity can also continue to be effected for those who suffered seriously with the condition.
Doctor David Poots, a senior occupational health physician at BHSF said: “For the majority, recovery from COVID-19 should be straightforward and no different to normal flu.
“However, some people will have been severely ill and recovery could be slow.
“There’s no standard approach, the key will be individualised assessments of physical and psychological needs, in the context of both home and work life.”
According to Johns Hopkins University, nearly 2.9m people have now recovered from coronavirus over the world.
The World Health Organisation says it can take patients up to six weeks to recover if they were in a critical condition.
Fiona McGill, an occupational health manager at BHSF said: “To maximise recovery from COVID-19, we recommend working on strength and breathing exercises and the muscles in their arms and legs.
“Practicing regular breathing exercises can help improve the function of the diaphragm, get more air to the bases of the lungs and help to improve the supply of oxygen to the body.
“When you’ve had an illness like COVID-19, your lungs may have lost some of their spring.
“As a result, they may not take oxygen in or let waste gases out as effectively.”
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The occupational health manager added some patients may be given a pulse oximeter upon discharge from hospital.
This device monitors heart rate and oxygen levels during activities and exercises.
Other patients may also receive a spirometer which is designed to help them take long, slow and deep breaths and strengthen breathing muscles and open up airspace in the lungs.
But it’s not just the physical effects of coronavirus that can prove damaging, the mental side of battling the disease can also carry a cost.
Fiona McGill said patients who have been discharged from hospital may also require mental health support once they’re back home.
Symptoms of an acute stress reaction or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can follow, including flashbacks, persistent negative emotions or trouble with concentration.
She said: “However, anyone can improve their mental health in the age of COVID-19, whether they have had an infection or not.
“People could engage in regular communication for social purposes with family and friends or meditate before bedtime.
“It could also mean people reaching out to mental health professionals.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of stress or PTSD, the sooner you can get help, the better the outcome.”
