
So much of the last year has been driven by the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. There has been so much information about the virus, the symptoms, getting tested, hospitalization, the vaccine, and now recovery for those who were infected.
Prevea is a leading healthcare provider in the Lakeshore area and has started the COVID-19 recovery clinic.
Dr. Laura Nelson Prevea VP and Chief Medical Officer told SeehaferNews.com that the recovery clinic was created because, “Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, and even Physical Therapists and others were seeing patients who have been diagnosed with COVID, and after they are not infectious any more…they continue to have ongoing symptoms and have not returned to normal.”
Lingering symptoms may include continued lack of taste, ringing in the ears, altered sleep habits, or lack of concentration. Dr. Nelson says the data is coming in from recovering patients.
“One group of patients they followed, 384 people, they found that over 53% remained short of breath,” Dr. Nelson explained. “1-2 months later, over 1/3rd still had a cough, and the number one symptom, 70% report feeling very tired and fatigued.”
Nelson added what are the lingering systems for COVID-19 patients can be described as brain fog. “What we are finding is that some people have had significant inflammation of their brain and nervous system,” she said. “People are saying ‘I have a persistent headache, or this brain fog. I can’t concentrate like I used to.’”
The Doctors at Prevea COVID-19 Recovery Clinic are confident that people do fully recover from the virus and they continue to learn more every day.
As for when should somebody seek help with lingering symptoms from COVID-19, Dr. Nelson says, “If you are still having symptoms 4 weeks after your being diagnosed with COVID…get into your primary care physician to have the assessment. From there, we can target the therapies and follow-up that’s needed.”
Prevea Manitowoc Clinic and the COVID-19 recovery clinic can offer assistance to anyone with lingering effects from COVID-19 and you can get more information online at prevea.com or by calling Prevea Manitowoc clinic at 717-0800