Rekha Dwivedi (patient’s name and identity changed for privacy reasons) had tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2021. She was hospitalized for 10 days and underwent COVID-19 treatment. After getting discharged from the hospital, she complained of weakness. Initially the family attributed this to her COVID treatment. But with time, this exhaustion started affecting her daily life. Moderate physical activity would also leave her feeling exhausted. Additionally, this so-called fatigue also got erratic. There were days when she felt energized and then there were days that she spent in bed trying to recuperate.

This is not just Rekha’s story. There are many COVID-19 patients who complain of fatigue and exhaustion. This is Long COVID fatigue and it is very real.

There are two primary reasons for Long COVID fatigue which is caused by weakened tissues:

• Drop in oxygen saturation levels
• Lack of nutrition

Such fatigue can affect a person’s overall mobility and quality of life causing more distress. Long COVID fatigue needs to be addressed through a proper rehabilitative care.

Recovering from Long COVID Fatigue

The time of recovery from Long COVID Fatigue varies from patient to patient. Doctors opine that most patients take between 4 to 12 weeks to fully recover from this. A post COVID care program can help these patients as they try to regain their normal life back.

Here is what such patients need to aid them in their recovery:

Doctor Consults

COVID patients need continuity of medical attention after their recovery from initial infection. These doctor and nursing consults involve regular monitoring of the patient.

Ubiqare monitors the following for post COVID care:

• Follow-up lab tests
• Symptoms
• Vitals
• Breathlessness

Regular monitoring enables our doctors to identify early signs of distress and avoid further complications.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Long COVID fatigue can be due to weakened muscles and lung tissues. So, we design a regime that involves light breathing exercises and muscle strengthening. Our pulmonologist works with the patient to help increase the capacity of the lungs and improve oxygen saturation levels in the body.

Physio Support

Long COVID patients may find it difficult to indulge in any kind of physical activity. Moderate exertion can leave them reeling with exhaustion.

Our physiotherapists help such patients regain their stamina gradually. They design a basic muscle strengthening regime which can include walking, climbing stairs, etc. depending on the patient’s condition. They collaborate with our pulmonologists to combine breathing exercises with physical therapy for holistic recovery.

Nutritional Advice

We conduct a nutritional assessment of the patient and then recommend a dietary plan that addresses the gaps. It is important for COVID patients to stay hydrated. However, just drinking enough water may not suffice. They may need to balance sodium, potassium, and other microelements. Our nutritionists help the patient achieve this balance which is crucial for recovering from fatigue.

Post COVID Care for Long COVID Patients

It is estimated that 1 in 10 COVID patients in India show signs of Long COVID. At the same time, doctors also believe that 15-20% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients return with some complications. These hospital readmissions can be avoided through a post COVID care that involves continuity of medical attention.

Ubiqare is supporting Long COVID patients in:

• Glycemic Optimization(secondary to covid/ excessive steroid usage)
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Nutritional Assessment and advice
• Thrombosis risk assessment and monitoring
• Physical therapy aligned with patients’ clinical condition

We are helping them avoid any complications and return back to their normal life.