How long does it take for patients with Covid-19 to recover? The new coronavirus infects new people every day. Some are brought very quickly to the intensive care unit, while others must remain confined to their homes. Fortunately, the vast majority of people affected by Covid-19 recover. As of April 16, more than 316 patients have recovered from the disease in France. 

Symptoms of Covid-19

The first symptoms, such as a headache, a dry cough or a fever, appear. Loss of taste and smell, as well as frostbite may be related to symptoms of Covid-19. In the event that a person exhibits these symptoms, the first instinct to have is to contact their doctor. He makes his diagnosis and directs the patient for the rest. It is only in the event of respiratory problems (shortness of breath, choking, etc.) that the SAMU should be called on 15. Health professionals give the procedures to follow; either the patient is taken care of by an ambulance or he stays at home. Doctors then regularly call the patient to inquire about him. An online self-assessment is available in advance.

Serious symptoms linked to the new coronavirus

If you SAMU makes the decision to be hospitalized, a journey punctuated by stages begins. The patient is admitted to spaces specially designed to accommodate patients suspected of contamination by SARS-Cov-2. A screening is carried out; the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. Polymerases are enzymes found in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

This test consists of taking cells at the nasopharyngeal level, using a swab. The nurse and the doctor are the only two health professionals who can perform this Covid-19 screening test. The sample is taken from each nasal cavity. It is not painful, but can be unpleasant for the patient. This allows you to know if the virus is present in the body. Once the sample has been analyzed, the results are communicated to the patient within 24 hours. If the result is positive, for a patient who has no sign ofrespiratory infection, he will have to observe strict confinement at his home.

How is the patient taken care of? 

When the patient with Covid-19 is admitted to the intensive care unit, he is assisted by breathing apparatus. In the most severe cases, an artificial coma may be triggered, followed by intubation. Patients who have undergone this type of treatment are monitored for several days in the hospital and then return home. This mainly concerns people at risk. We must be reassured, because 98% of people infected with the new coronavirus recover. In France, as of May 12, 2021, more than 4,4 million people recovered from Covid-19. However, for people whose care required a respiratory emergency, it will take several weeks to recover. Indeed, fatigue can be felt and the cough may persist.

Today, we take a step back from the coronavirus epidemic. Some patients suffer from ” Covid Long ”, Or a long form of the disease. Indeed, some symptoms may persist, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, joint problems, concentration or even immediate memory loss. 

Ongoing treatments 

To date, there is scientific evidence that Dexamethasone and Tocilizumab can reduce the risk of death in patients with severe Covid-19.

In addition, scientific studies and tests carried out by biologists are being evaluated:

• The Hycovid study

The purpose of this study is to decide on the potential effects of chloroquine on the new coronavirus. Indeed, chloroquine has been debated since Professor Didier Raoult said that this drug is effective against Covid-19. The chloroquine is prescribed for the treatment of malaria, polyarthritis and lupus. The Angers University Hospital launched this study in collaboration with 36 hospitals in France. She seeks the answer to the following question: “yes or no, is hydroxychloroquine effective in patients with Covid-19 at high risk of aggravation?”. The study involves specific conditions in the patients for it to be effective. Neither doctors nor patients know whether they are giving or receiving hydroxychloroquine or placebo. The results are still pending. To be patient, the Angers University Hospital is answering questions about the Hycovid study. 

Nowadays, the Hycovid study is temporarily stopped. This is also the case for all clinical trials including chloroquine. It turns out that it does not present any benefits regarding Covid-19 and that it could be potentially dangerous. Scientists are now analyzing the results of this study. In the meantime, other avenues of treatment are prioritized. 

• The Discovery Essay

The Discovery trial consists of the administration of several drugs, whether or not associated with chloroquine. It concerns patients infected and showing symptoms of the new coronavirus. Patients and doctors know what is prescribed, unlike the Hycovid study. The two tests are complementary and may offer an answer concerning treatment to fight Covid-19. 

The Discovery trial is also on hold. Researchers will soon publish the results in newspapers. The judgment is due to several observations: “the lack of efficacy on 28-day mortality in hospitalized patients for the lopinavir / ritonavir arms (with or without beta interferon) compared to standard treatment. On the other hand […] the significantly higher frequency of serious adverse reactions concerning renal function in the two groups of patients receiving the lopinavir / ritonavir combination ”.

• Blood plasma 

Experiments on blood plasma transfusion, from a healed person to a sick with Covid-19, are in class. Doctors take a certain amount of blood plasma from people who have recovered from the novel coronavirus. Their bodies have made antibodies. This blood plasma could help patients with Covid-19 in the acute phase. This would allow them to develop their own immune defenses, via a transfer, to fight infection due to Covid-19.

To date, sequelae have been identified in patients recovered from Covid-19 infection. They can be physical, psychological, neurological, pulmonary, cardiovascular and renal, especially for people who have developed severe forms. 

Covid-19 being new, doctors do not yet know the long-term sequelae for patients admitted to intensive care. However, they know that patients suffer from chronic fatigue and take several days to several weeks to recover. Doctors advise people returning to their homes to get as much rest as possible. 

Some people may still suffer from certain ailments for weeks or even months. According to the Haute Autorité de Santé, “lThe most frequently encountered symptoms are fatigue, neurological disorders (cognitive, sensory, headache), cardio-thoracic disorders (chest pain and tightness, tachycardia, dyspnea, cough) and odor and taste disorders. Pain, digestive and skin disorders are also common ».

This can be the ” Covid long », A long form of the pathology. To find out if a patient has long form of Covid-19, the Haute Autorité de Santé gives three criteria to identify:

• have contracted a symptomatic form of Covid-19 
• have experienced one or more symptoms 4 weeks after the onset of infection, 
• none of these clinical signs can be explained by another diagnosis. 

If you have a prolonged symptoms of Covid-19, it is recommended to consult your doctor.