No test is available to diagnose cases of long Covid, a type of condition where symptoms persist months since an initial infection.
Department of Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said long Covid-19 symptoms can last up to two months or longer, which include coughing, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and joint pain among other symptoms.
Long Covid is not contagious but those experiencing it must consult with the doctor, especially those having difficulty breathing, severe chest pain as well as those passing out, Vergeire said.
“Sa kasalukuyan wala pang test para ma-diagnose ang long Covid kaya pinakamainam na magpatingin at magpakonsulta sa doctor o health care provider kung sakaling magkaroon ng mga ganitong sintomas upang mabigyan ng pangunahing lunas,” she said.
Getting inoculated is one of the best ways to prevent this type of illness since long Covid-19 is acquired after exposure, Vergeire said.
“Batay sa isang Lancet study done sa United Kingdom, nababawasan ng kalahating porsyento ang tsansang magkaroon ng long Covid ang indibidwal na nagka-Covid kung ito ay nakapagtapos ng kanyang primary series,” she said.
In some countries, long Covid is also known as long-haul Covid, post-acute Covid-19, and chronic Covid.
In the U.S., this condition is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. – PNA
March 31, 2023
