How to resume normal life after a COVID-19 infection, however mild

After a COVID-19 infection, “everything” should be started gradually especially physical exertion, reiterates Dr. Eshanth Perera, explaining that a person cannot go to the pre-COVID level of physical exertion immediately.

Giving a probable timeline, Dr. Geethal Perera says that such a person should take it easy for a “minimum” of six weeks at least after recovery from the infection. Some should not jump into physical activity for at least three months.

Maybe around 95% of the people who have recovered from COVID-19 would come to normal in three months and this would go up to 98% in six months. Yet, 2% may go up to even nine months to get over it. Myocarditis, wheezing and gastroenteritis (irritation of the intestines) are things to watch out for, he says.

Dr. Neranjan Dissanayake points out that even if a person has had mild COVID-19 or asymptomatic COVID-19, he/ she has the possibility of developing Post-COVID Syndrome. Some of them expect that after seven days, they are completely cured and try to lift weights, while women sometimes get back to heavy housework or even their gym routines.

“It should not be so. They should do it bit by bit. Take things slowly. Even if you want to climb a staircase, earlier you could have run up the stairs, but now do so step by step,” he says.

All four Specialists also focus on the unseen psychological component of COVID-19. For professionals such as bank officials or teachers to name a few, the condition called ‘mental fogging’ can cause alarm. They may become fearful that they may not be able to perform their work as before. There will be anxiety over this, especially say you are counting money and miss a few notes. Decisionmaking may also be slower.

This is part of the recovery process, says Dr. Eshanth Perera, explaining that the person needs to understand that it takes time, at least about five to six weeks.

Be conscious and vigilant. Take things slowly both physically and mentally, he adds.