MANILA – There is currently no test available to diagnose cases of long coronavirus disease (Covid), a condition in which Covid-19 symptoms persist months after infection.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday that long Covid symptoms can last up to two months or longer, which include coughing, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, joint pain and others.
According to Vergeire, long Covid is not contagious, but people who experience it should see a doctor, especially if they have difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or passing out.
“Sa kasalukuyan wala pa hong test para ma-diagnose ang long Covid kaya pinakamainam na magpatingin at magpakunsulta sa doctor o health care provider kung sakaling magkaroon ng mga ganitong sintomas upang mabigyan ng pangunahing lunas (As of now there is no test yet to diagnose long Covid that’s why it is best to consult with the doctor who will provide emergency care),” she said.
Vergeire said that being vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent this type of disease since long Covid is acquired after a coronavirus exposure.
“Batay sa isang Lancet study done sa United Kingdom, nababawasan nang kalahating porsyento ang tsansang magkaroon ng long Covid ang indibidwal na nagka-Covid kung ito ay nakapagtapos ng kanyang primary series (Based on a Lancet study done in the UK, having primary series of the vaccine halves the risk of developing long Covid in adults who have been infected),” she said.
Long Covid may also be referred to as long-haul Covid, post-acute Covid-19, and chronic Covid in various countries.
This condition is classified as a disability in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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