What is Long COVID?

Most of the time when people get COVID-19, they get better within a couple weeks. But sometimes, people who had COVID-19 continue to experience new or ongoing symptoms for a month or even longer. This is considered long COVID-19.

Still Coughing After COVID-19?

Cough is one of the most common presenting symptoms of COVID-19, along with fever and loss of taste and smell. Cough is the second most common persistent symptom after having the COVID-19 infection, followed by fatigue. The cough can persist for weeks or months after the infection. The stigma associated with coughing has magnified during the pandemic. The American Lung Association notes, “The most common symptom that signifies healing is a lingering cough because coughing is your lung’s way of sweeping out dead cells.”

Ways to Help Control Your Cough?

• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking small amounts of liquid during the day.
• Soothe your throat by drinking warm liquids such as tea with lemon and honey.
• Suck on throat sweets if you feel yourself about to cough (you can buy sugar free options).
• Blow your nose if you have a runny nose (try not to sniff).

One thing that can help with your recovery is increasing blood flow into the lungs by exercising your lungs. Start with gentle physical exercise like walking or biking, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the activity. It’s always a good idea to contact your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

PCHC offers COVID-19 updates and resources on our website. Visit here for more information.