Long COVID

BASIC FACTS

• Over 200 documented symptoms

• Invisible illness, most symptoms are experienced internally

• Episodic disability

• Relapsing and remitting condition

• Symptoms impact everyday functioning

• There is no known treatment only “symptom management”

COMMON SYMPTOMS

• Fatigue and exercise intolerance

• Gastrointestinal issues (stomach cramping, constipation and diarrhoea)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain, chest pressure, heart palpitations

• Tachycardia (racing heart)

• Dizziness/fainting 

• Muscle and joint pain

• Changes in taste or smell

• Sleep disturbances, insomnia, and headaches or migraines

• Rashes of unknown cause

• Pins and needles or shocks in hands or feet

• Mood changes, depression, anxiety

• Cognitive impairment (difficulty concentrating, memory problems, slowed processing speed, word finding problems)

MANAGING SYMPTOMS

Use Pacing to Manage Energy and Minimize Post-Exertional Symptom Exacerbation

• • What is Rest? Time for body to recharge and recover

  • What is Pacing? Strategy to prevent worsening of symptoms, NOT a strategy to avoid activity

Pacing & Energy Management Strategies

• • Spoon Theory created by American writer Christine Miserandino

  • Energy Envelope created by Dr. Leonard Jason

Pacing & Energy Management Tips

• Watch our video or download our handout to learn about pacing and energy management 

• Work with an Occupational Therapist to make changes to your home, work, and daily routines to help manage energy and reduce stress on your body

Use Assistive Devices to Enhance Quality of Life

• Walking Aids: canes, rollators to provide support and stability while walking

• Mobility Aids: electric scooters, wheel chair to allow individuals to travel a longer distance

• Bathroom Aids: grab bars, shower chairs, raised toilet seats to maintain safety and independence

• Kitchen Aids: counter-height stool for seated meal prep, automated tools (like a food processor, electric can opener, or jar opener) to simplify meal prep

• Assistive Technology: medication alarms and pill dosette, symptom tracking app like Visible, Cefaly neuromodulation therapy for migraine

• Download our handout for more information on assistive devices

HELPFUL WEBSITES

• Long COVID the Answers https://longcovidtheanswers.com/

• Long COVID Physio https://longcovid.physio/ 

• Long Covid Families https://longcovidfamilies.org/ 

• Long Covid Kids https://www.longcovidkids.org/ 

• BC Centre for Long COVID, ME/CFS, & Fibromyalgia https://bc-clmf.org/videos

• Dr. Rick Arseneau on ME TV: Long COVID, ME/CFS, & Fibromyalgia in Children and Teens https://youtu.be/dpI24ZhY57M?si=ZIcM6cr5edSL8FNV