Pune: With increasing recovery rate, there are also several people complaining of post-COVID complications. Apart from merely looking after yourself, it has also become crucial to keep a tab on what your body undergoes post-COVID recovery. However, to help patients deal with the side-effects of the COVID-19 infection, Pune-based Apollo Clinic is now considering post-COVID conditions on a serious note. An increased number of patients coming in with health complications, owing to which Apollo Clinic has started post-COVID recovery OPDs. The clinic will consist of a team of experts who will help these patients to deal with the aftermath of the infection, and get back on track.
What are post-COVID complications?
COVID-19 takes a toll on almost all the essential organs of the body. It not only attacks the lungs but other body parts too due to which health problems crop up. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are exhibiting symptoms like cough, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stress, chest tightness, depression, lack of sleep, brain fog, anxiety, joint pain, tiredness, breathing and neurological problems, or even chest pain. Apart from stroke and heart attack, even other conditions like diabetes, lung fibrosis, and hypertension are part of the post-COVID syndrome.
"There are many recovered COVID-19 patients who have complained about challenges and difficulties after getting infected and recovered," says Dr Ajay Gangoli, Medical Director Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited. He also mentioned how there are two phases to post-COVID complications, acute and chronic. "Acute post-COVID is when people recover in three weeks and still exhibit symptoms till three months. Symptoms persisting after three months is referred to as chronic post-COVID. Around 10 per cent of COVID patients exhibit 'long COVID' symptoms, while fewer people may have symptoms over three months. Thus, a post-COVID recovery clinic including specialists is a boon for such patients," he added.
This infection also has long-term consequences. Consequently, there is a sudden surge in the number of deaths of post-COVID patients. "The patients will receive specialised care for their problems and will be able to restore their health, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. The patients will be regularly monitored for their symptoms and will receive timely medical attention," he stated.
