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should be performed if you are struggling with fatigue. If COVID left a bad taste?
you are unable to perform a walk test, a timed up and
go test and/or repeated chair stand test, are standard
testing protocols which should be applied. Manual
muscle testing (MMT) should be performed to determine
muscle and strength loss. Again, a GP or Biokineticist is
most probably your best port of call for this screening. others. While the loss of these senses might be a
Your functional capacity (and progress) should be used
to guide your personalised rehabilitation programme.
Energy conservation plans, such as well-planned days,
pacing and prioritisation of activities, should be put in
place to reduce your fatigue.
Just think about it (the neural system)
COVID-19 has been largely connected with neurologic
(nervous system) complications. Decreased
oxygenation to the brain and nerves, and sleep
deprivation during illness may have led to concentration
or memory problems, commonly referred to as “brain-
fog”. Decreased oxygenation can lead to muscular
weakness, seizures and even strokes.
Your complete neurological history and examination
(mental status, depression and anxiety questionnaires,
reflexes, coordination, and sensory examinations,
walking and postural assessments) should be done to
determine any remaining effects of the infection and the
impact which they might have on your functioning.
Imaging of your brain and it's functioning is not
recommended unless there are unexplained deficits or
concern unrelated to your COVID illness. Referral for
neuropsychologist or a speech therapist for
assessments and management would only appropriate
if you are suffering from prolonged brain-fog or
neurological issues. A referral for the management of
depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or sleep
disorders may be recommended depending on your
concerns and the healthcare professional's scope of
practice.
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The generally accepted guideline for laboratory testing
Olfactory (smell) or gustatory (taste) effects are the
most common signs of infection for the COVID-19 virus.
The degree to which you lose your senses of
taste/smell, and the duration of this loss will vary from
nuisance at worst, this could lead to unintentional weight
loss due to a lack of interest in food or hydration.
If you are suffering from nausea and diarrhoea
(gastrointestinal effects) this too may lead to weight loss
and improper inadequate nutrition management during
and post illness. Prolonged, new, or increasing
nausea/diarrhoea should lead to you considering
laboratory testing for cultures (to determine correct
antibiotic use for the purpose of beating the culture).
A nutritional assessment or diet plan from a dietician
could assist in healthy re-gaining of lost weight or
nutrition or rectifying BMI (Body Mass Index) to a
healthy weight. This could be beneficial to some of us,
regardless of COVID-19.
Take the lab for a walk
Laboratory testing should not be necessary if you are
completely symptom free. If laboratory tests were
performed during your illness; those test results should
be a guideline for your doctor on re-testing post-illness.
Any abnormalities in your bloodwork during illness
should be an alarm for retesting the same bloodwork
during recovery. If you present with unexplained
continuing symptoms however, laboratory testing, if
advised by your doctor could be done to determine any
unresolved abnormalities.
is: LONG-TERM EFFECTS
• FBC – Full blood count just to check the bloods all
round
• Blood chemistry - including electrolytes to determine OF COVID-19
fluids and organ function
• D-dimers – to determine the risk of blood clotting
diseases
• Additional laboratory tests which might be
appropriate for certain patients may include
• Inflammatory markers – to determine any remaining
inflammation/damage
• Thyroid studies in those with unexplained fatigue or
weakness.
For the diabetics
If you have always suffered with mild diabetes, you are
at risk of becoming insulin-dependent or developing a
greater requirement for insulin during COVID-19 illness.
In the odd, rare case, patients who might have been
borderline or unaware of their diabetes risk may become
newly diagnosed.
Your normal diabetic treatment regimes, blood glucose
and insulin usage may be monitored by your nurse or
doctor. Finger-prick or lab based fasting glucose tests
are unusual in post-COVID testing – but should be
screened in everyone.
Antibody and Antigens
There is no clinical use in having antibody (produced by
the human body - triggered by antigens) or antigen
(proteins that exist on the outer shell of the virus itself)
tests performed if you have had COVID-19 diagnosed
with a PCR test (Lab based polymerase chain reaction
swab). If you suspect you may have had undiagnosed
COVID-19 you might find some value in an antibody test
to determine the presence of antibodies for the virus.
To the Executive Summary
The management of long-term effects and psychological
disorders post-COVID-19 is a “swept under the rug”
aspect due to the lack of clinical knowledge. It is
important for you to undergo cardiovascular, lung
function, physical functioning, neurological and
laboratory (as advised) screening post COVID-19 Illness.
Your nutrition, hydration, sleep management and
physiological health can all affect your recovery. Whilst
the jury is still out regarding certain medications and
supplements for the prevention, management, and
recovery of COVID-19, these should be administered
under the guidance of your healthcare professional to
ensure safety.
COVID-19 is not over but you can manage it. Get
screened, mask up, wash up, stay home, stay safe.
Ensure that you are up to date with your vaccinations,
maintain your nutrition, sleep and health, exercise
regularly and always stay positive, but test negative!
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