Summer Health Check: Stay Safe, and Steer Clear of Long COVID
As you may be aware, the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has officially come to an end. However, it’s still important to stay vigilant in the fight against COVID. Keeping up with vaccinations is crucial, especially to prevent post-COVID conditions (PCC) also known as “Long COVID”.
While we continue to learn more about COVID-19, it has become clear that there are a notable number of people who don’t recover within a few weeks and who experience long-term health issues even after recovering from COVID-19. These conditions, known as post-COVID or “Long COVID,” can last for weeks to years.
While post-COVID conditions are more frequently observed in individuals who have experienced severe COVID-19 illness, post-COVID conditions can affect anyone who has been infected with the virus. What is particularly significant is that emerging evidence suggests that unvaccinated individuals face a higher risk of developing these conditions. Therefore, it is extremely important to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations for effective prevention.
There are a number of symptoms that are commonly observed in cases of Long COVID. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees has created this helpful Factsheet that outlines the most commonly reported symptoms.
If you experience concerning symptoms following a known COVID-19 infection, consult your healthcare provider to assess the possibility of post-COVID conditions.
Remember, staying informed and getting vaccinated reduces the risk of post-COVID conditions. Research indicates that individuals who have been vaccinated and subsequently experience breakthrough infections are less likely to report post-COVID conditions compared to those who remain unvaccinated.
To learn more about Post-COVID conditions visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-post-covid-19-condition
Wondering where to get vaccinated?
Visit Vaxfinder.mass.gov or Vaccines.gov to find a location near you!
Text your zip code to 438829
Call 1-800-232-0233
