DOH: Maintain health protocols, avoid ‘long COVID-19’

People queue before casting their votes during the presidential election at a polling station in Manila on May 9, 2022.
AFP / Chaideer Mahyuddin

MANILA, Philippines — As protection against the so-called “long COVID,” the Department of Health (DOH) is reminding the public to continue to strictly observe minimum public health standards.

In an advisory, the DOH stressed that the most effective way to avoid long COVID is to avoid getting the infection.

“Wear the best fitting mask, isolate when sick, and ensure good airflow. Get vaccinated as soon as possible and boosted once eligible,” it said.

While noting that there is no test to diagnose long COVID, the DOH said its symptoms are fatigue, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and joint pain, which can be felt usually three months after being infected with the coronavirus.

Health experts said the symptoms may last for at least two months and cannot be explained by other conditions.

The DOH also said that symptoms may signal a new onset after one has already recovered or may continue from the initial COVID-19 episode.

It advised those experiencing long COVID symptoms to seek medical consultation.

“Immediately go to the nearest emergency room if one experiences difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, light-headedness or fainting,” the DOH added.

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