What Is Long COVID? The impact of COVID-19 is still being felt around the world. As the illness and its associated symptoms are still being studied, a recent phenomenon, known as “Long COVID” is impacting many patients who had previously been infected. Long COVID is a term used to describe the persisting symptoms that some individuals experience from the novel coronavirus, even after the infecting virus is no longer present.
People with Long COVID may have persistent symptoms for months, and can even suffer from prolonged fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive changes. One of the important questions for many people is where to seek help if they are living in New York City (NYC). This article will focus on how to get help for Long COVID in NYC.
Understanding Different Types of Symptoms
As medical experts continue to research Long COVID, it is becoming clear that not all patients have the same symptoms and the duration of the symptoms can vary widely. Generally speaking, there are four different categories of symptoms that individuals experience: physical, neurological, psychological, and pulmonary. Each of these categories includes different types of symptoms, such as:
Physical Symptoms:
- Pain or swelling in the joints
- Persistent headache
- Skin rashes or hives
Neurological Symptoms:
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Memory issues
- Trouble recognizing faces
Psychological Symptoms:
- Anxiety or depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trouble managing stress
Pulmonary Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
- Trouble exercising
It is important to note that individuals may experience different combinations of these symptoms. It is also possible for symptoms to change over time.
Where to Seek Help in NYC
For residents of NYC who are experiencing Long COVID symptoms, there are a number of clinics and organizations that provide help. Depending on the individual’s symptoms, they may want to consider seeking help from a doctor, physical therapist, psychologist, or pulmonologist.
Getting Help through a Primary Care Doctor
The first step for many individuals is to seek help from their primary care doctor. Primary care doctors are well-versed in the basics of general medicine, and can provide an initial assessment to determine if an individual has Long COVID symptoms. Primary care doctors can also refer the individual to a specialist if further testing or diagnosis is needed.
Seeing a Physical Therapist
It is common for the physical symptoms of Long COVID to persist for months after being infected. Individuals experiencing pain in their body, such as joint pain, may benefit from seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapists can provide exercises and stretches that can help alleviate pain, as well as suggest lifestyle modifications for reducing pain.
Receiving Psychological Help
Psychological symptoms that can accompany Long COVID include anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Individuals who are struggling with these issues should seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor. Mental health professionals are trained to provide diagnosis and treatment for psychological issues, and can provide the support that individuals need to cope with Long COVID.
Finding Relief through Pulmonologists
Especially for individuals who were hospitalized due to COVID-19, long-term pulmonary issues are a common symptom of Long COVID. Some individuals may experience shortness of breath, chronic coughing, or difficulty exercising. For these individuals, seeing a pulmonologist may help them find relief and get the necessary treatment to manage the pulmonary symptoms.
Support Groups
In addition to seeing medical professionals, another way to get help for Long COVID in NYC is by joining a support group. Support groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, ask questions, and interact with others who may have similar symptoms. There are a number of local support groups for individuals experiencing Long COVID in NYC, as well as national and international groups for individuals who want to connect with people from around the world.
The novel coronavirus has impacted people in a variety of ways, and some individuals are still experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 long after they were exposed and the virus is no longer present. This phenomenon, known as Long COVID, can lead to debilitating symptoms that impact an individual’s physical, neurological, psychological, and pulmonary health. Fortunately, there are resources available in NYC to help individuals who are struggling with these symptoms. With the help of primary care doctors, physical therapists, psychologists, pulmonologists, and support groups, individuals may be able to manage their symptoms and find some degree of relief.
