COVID-19 recurrence seems symptomatic for some, even after treatment. The virus can remain in the body for weeks or even months after initial infection, causing symptoms to flare up unexpectedly. In some cases, people who have recovered from COVID-19 may develop new, unrelated symptoms weeks or months later. This is known as post-COVID-19 syndrome.
While the cause of post-COVID-19 syndrome is not yet known, it is believed to be related to the body’s immune response to the initial infection. It is possible that the immune system becomes overloaded after the initial infection and is unable to effectively fight the virus. In addition, the virus may mutate, making it more difficult for the immune system to recognize and fight it.
There is no currently no cure for post-COVID-19 syndrome and no specific treatment. However, many of the symptoms can be managed with self-care and over-the-counter medications. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome, be sure to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
According to a recent study, as many as one in four people who have recovered from COVID-19 may experience symptoms again within two weeks of their initial infection.
The study, which is still ongoing, has so far enrolled nearly 1,200 people in Wuhan, China, who were all confirmed to have had COVID-19 and had since recovered. Of these participants, 244 (20.3%) reported that they had experienced at least one symptom again within two weeks of their initial recovery.
The most common symptom reported was fatigue, experienced by nearly 60% of participants, followed by a cough (34.7%), headache (33.6%), and joint pain (31.4%). Less common symptoms included difficulty breathing (8.2%), chest pain (6.0%), and diarrhea (4.1%).
While the recurrence of symptoms is concerning, it is worth noting that the majority of participants (79.7%) did not experience any symptomatic relapse. Additionally, the vast majority of those who did experience a relapse reported only mild symptoms.
There are several possible explanations for why some people may experience a relapse of symptoms after initially recovering from COVID-19. It is possible that the virus is not completely cleared from the body after the initial infection, and that it can reactivate later on. Additionally, it is possible that the immune system may not be able to completely clear the virus, leading to a recurrent infection.
Further research is needed to better understand why some people seem to experience a relapse of symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. In the meantime, it is important for people who have recovered from the virus to be aware that there is a possibility of their symptoms returning. If you experience any symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, be sure to seek medical attention.
