Long Covid treatment: recognize symptoms and find help online

Still exhausted, forgetful or short of breath weeks or even months after a corona infection? This is a reality for many people affected. Long Covid refers to health complaints that persist for more than four weeks after recovering from COVID-19 – and can severely restrict quality of life. In this guide, you can find out how Long Covid symptoms manifest themselves, how Long Covid treatment works and how the Long Covid online consultation at TeleClinic can support you.

Abstract

• Long Covid refers to persistent or newly occurring symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.
• Typical symptoms are exhaustion, concentration problems, shortness of breath or palpitations.
• The Long Covid Online Consultation at TeleClinic offers medical advice & targeted support.

What is Long Covid?

Long Covid (also known as post-Covid syndrome) is the generic term for symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase of the disease after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. A distinction is made:

• Post-acute Covid-19: symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks
• Long Covid: symptoms last longer than 12 weeks

The symptoms can be constant, recurring or intermittent. People with a mild course or young age are also affected – regardless of their vaccination status.

How is Long Covid created?

The exact causes have not yet been fully researched. Suspected causes include

• Autoimmune reactions after infection
• Disorders of the nervous system or metabolism
• Inflammatory processes in organs (e.g. lungs, heart, brain)
• Mental stress & post-traumatic stress reactions

People with pre-existing conditions or those who had particularly severe symptoms in the acute phase are particularly frequently affected – but completely healthy people also report long-term consequences.

Long Covid symptoms – how does the syndrome manifest itself?

The symptoms of Long Covid are varied and can affect several organ systems at the same time. The most common complaints include

• Chronic exhaustion (fatigue)
• Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain
• Concentration disorders (“brain fog”), forgetfulness
• Palpitations, dizziness, circulatory problems
• Muscle pain, aching limbs, sleep disorders
• Depressive moods, feelings of anxiety

Important: The symptoms can also occur weeks after a mild course – even in young and healthy people.

How can you detect Long Covid?

There is no single test for Long Covid. Diagnosis is based on medical exclusion procedures, a detailed medical history and, if necessary, further examinations (blood values, lung function, ECG, etc.). The decisive factor is

• Symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks after infection
• Other causes (e.g. new disease) have been ruled out
• Quality of life is significantly reduced

The Long Covid Online Consultation at TeleClinic can be the first step towards a diagnosis – including recommendations for further examinations or referrals.

How is Long Covid treated?

Long Covid treatment is individualized – depending on the type and severity of the symptoms. There is currently no standard therapy, but there are numerous supportive measures that are combined depending on the symptoms:

• Drug therapy: e.g. for headaches, sleep disorders, shortness of breath
• Respiratory training & exercise therapy: to improve lung function & resilience
• Nutritional advice: for deficiency symptoms, digestive problems or exhaustion
• Psychological support: to deal with the consequences of illness or stress
• Memory training: for concentration problems (“brain fog”)

In many cases, a structured plan with clear rest and activity phases (“pacing”) helps to avoid relapses and stabilize everyday life step by step.

How does the Long Covid online consultation at TeleClinic help?

The Long Covid Online Consultation at TeleClinic allows you to have an initial medical assessment from the comfort of your own home – without waiting time or risk of infection. This is what happens during the consultation:

• Medical history of your symptoms & course of the original infection
• Initial medical assessment with suspected diagnosis
• Specific recommendations for further diagnostics or treatment options
• At the doctor’s discretion: Sick note and prescription

The online consultation is free of charge for those with statutory health insurance. Privately insured persons receive an invoice according to GOÄ.

Can you still get Long Covid today?

Yes, even after current virus variants and despite vaccination, long Covid symptoms can occur – albeit less frequently than at the beginning of the pandemic. The decisive factor is not the severity of the acute illness, but individual factors such as

• Immune system & pre-existing conditions
• Age & gender (women more frequently affected)
• New infections with SARS-CoV-2

Even those who have recovered from mild coronavirus disease can develop the first long Covid symptoms weeks later.

What to do with Long Covid in everyday life?

The long-term effects of COVID-19 are stressful – both physically and mentally. The following tips can help you deal better with Long Covid:

• Pacing: plan activities in small, measured stages
• Symptom diary: note progression and triggers
• Reducing working hours: gradual reintegration possible
• Maintain social contacts: Avoid isolation
• Seek professional help: e.g. Long Covid outpatient clinic or telemedicine

Conclusion: Take Long Covid seriously – request help online

Long Covid is real, stressful and still not very tangible – but treatable. If you experience persistent symptoms after a coronavirus infection, you should seek medical advice at an early stage. The Long Covid online consultation at TeleClinic offers you an initial assessment, further recommendations and – at the doctor’s discretion – concrete support in the form of a sick note or prescription.