COVID Infection and Post Covid Syndrome (long Covid)

When it comes to COVID-19, most health care providers are clueless. They recommend quarantining when you test positive for COVID and only seeking help when you have symptoms of concern. At In Good Health PC in Las Vegas, Nevada, Thomas Sharon, DNP, MPH, ARNP-BC, recommends everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or who have severe respiratory symptoms (even after testing negative) undergo blood testing and chest X-rays to rule out COVID-related complications. For a proactive approach to COVID-related disease, call the office or schedule your in-office or telehealth appointment online today.

Why should I be tested for COVID-19?

Most people have no idea how COVID-19 affects the body. People still think that it is like having a severe cold or flu, and once a person tests negative the COVID, the threat is gone. This thinking is the result of a lack of public education about the unique way that the COVID-19 virus and its variants (mutations) affect the human body. 

Once a person is infected with coronavirus or the variants, the virus quickly replicates and enters every cell in the respiratory system. It also can enter cells in other vital organs like the brain, kidneys, heart, and circulatory system and mess up the clotting mechanisms leading to heart attack and stroke. 

The spike proteins slough off and remain in the human cells. So about 100 million people are contaminated with COVID virus genetic garbage that causes the immune system to produce overwhelming inflammation against the respiratory system and other vital organs. Without proper treatment, this will lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and death.  

Testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection has value in knowing when you are contagious, so you can protect others by staying in quarantine. 

SARS-CoV-2 and the many other variants are highly contagious strains of coronavirus that spread from person to person through respiratory droplets after someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus enters your body through the eyes, nose, or mouth and then travels to the back of your throat, where it multiplies and moves to your lungs.

Once in your lungs, the virus may travel to other parts of your body. 

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

You should get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. Common symptoms of the infection include:

• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Chills
• Fever
• Loss of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting

You also need COVID-19 testing if you had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 but you don’t have symptoms. Wait at least five days after exposure before testing so that you get the most accurate results.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Dr. Sharon has a set protocol for patients that test positive for COVID-19. Though it’s important to isolate yourself from others to prevent the spread of the disease, Dr. Sharon recommends additional testing when you have COVID-19 to protect your health.

He recommends you have blood work right away to look for health complications, such as pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, or renal hypertension.

Additionally, it is important to know that if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you can assume that you have been exposed to the COVID virus and should see Dr. Sharon for a COVID work-up with chest X-ray and blood tests.

What happens during a COVID-19 consultation?

In Good Health PC provides innovative telehealth care and uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for patient monitoring. Dr. Sharon may recommend a telehealth appointment for your initial COVID-19 consultation after you test positive.

He reviews your symptoms, medical history, and the types of medications you take. He then talks to you about the blood work and why you need it. Dr. Sharon also reviews the quarantine guidelines and how best to monitor and manage your symptoms. 

What are some treatment options for COVID-19?

Dr. Sharon customizes your COVID-19 treatment plan based on your medical history and the results of your blood work. The standard COVID treatment protocol includes inhalation treatment with bronchodilators and steriods, steroid tablets, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. Additional treatment for complications may include anticoagulants, medication for renal hypertension (high blood pressure caused by kidney damage), and medicine for acquired attention deficit disorder (brain fog).

Finding and managing COVID-19 complications during the early stages will prevent catastrophic events like pulmonary emboli, stroke, heart attack, and/or kidney failure.

For expert COVID-19 care, call In Good Health PC or schedule an appointment online today.