Pharmacists at the Eurovaistinė pharmacy chain say that after recovery from COVID-19, clients often turn to pharmacists in order to overcome residual symptoms. Often after recovery, sufferers are faced with coughing, shortness of breath, and they are plagued by psychological issues such as anxiety and sleeplessness. Post-COVID-19, often there is a sense of exhaustion and weakness, as well as a deterioration of one’s memory, and inability to focus.
Quality sleep is restored by routine
After recovering from the coronavirus, individuals often complain of sleep disorders, and according to pharmacists at Eurovaistinė, in such a case the priority is to find out the cause for the sleeplessness – perhaps after the illness, one is simply unable to return to their old routine, or perhaps there is a sense of anxiety that strikes when you lie down to sleep. Anxiety before bed is something affecting individuals who recovered from a severe case of the coronavirus, they feel afraid and experience severe shortness of breath.
Prior to sleep, it is important to calm down and do something relaxing while upon lying down and being unable to sleep for a time – to get out of bed, engage in some passive activity in the dark and, after some time passes, return to bed.
Eurovaistinė pharmacist Miglė Kazakevičienė advises taking heed of one’s everyday habits, which will help ensure better rest. To ensure quality rest, a regular daily regime is crucial because even when working from home, one should avoid lingering, or working in bed. Specialists advise consigning the bed solely to sleeping at night.
“Many people working from home feel tension, stress and anxiety, which is particularly impactful on the quality of our sleep. I would advise such individuals to take supplements containing magnesium and B group vitamins, which will help overcome tension and stress, making it easier to fall asleep,” M. Kazakevičienė says.
Sleep quality can also be influenced by what the person does throughout the day. Those who consume high amounts of coffee may be more prone to being physically inactive or inclined to overeat before sleep, find it harder to fall asleep, and so even after recovering from the coronavirus, it is important to gradually restore physical activity levels. The pharmacist notes that when facing sleep disorders, it is necessary to adjust to new sleeping habits.
What of the future?
When visiting pharmacies, clients also mention they are anxious about how the disease will influence their health in the long-term, and what impact it will have on the progression of chronic diseases. Clients are also concerned by how they could still infect those in their surroundings, or fall ill again themselves.
Pharmacists advise clients to remain positive, make sure to take care of their emotional health, and not be afraid to consult specialists regarding worrying symptoms. Pharmacist M. Kazakevičienė says that may be easier to overcome negative thoughts if you exercise regularly, and keep in touch with relatives if possible, to do so via videocall. It is important to immerse yourself in your hobbies, and spend more time in the outdoors if possible, while also not trying to hide one’s feelings.
It is advised to combat anxiety by mindfully drinking lemon balm tea mixed with peppermint, and calmly reflect on your emotions. Various supplements containing passion fruit may also help with overcoming anxiety, however, they do not induce sleep. Magnesium and B group vitamin supplements are also beneficial to the nervous system.
Nevertheless, if you feel that you are unable to overcome anxiety for a protracted period of time, it is advised to visit your doctor.
“I no longer feel like before”
Pharmacists have observed that many clients call in seeking ways to feel like they used to before. After the coronavirus infection, some of those who recover complain of having a weaker memory, struggling to focus.
Some former patients complain they can no longer recall simple information. Pharmacists advise they gradually exercise their memory using memory training games can be beneficial. They also advise to write down information more often after recovering from the disease so that it may be easier to find it if need be.
Clients also visit pharmacies seeking ways to reinforce their weakened immune systems after the coronavirus. Pharmacists say that to such individuals, they advise to take vitamins C and D, zinc and selenium supplements, dedicate enough time for resting, be physically active, and not forget to regularly ventilate their premises.
Clients who have recovered from the coronavirus are advised to constantly keep in mind how they feel and if noticing that concerning symptoms are lingering, they should get in touch with doctors and perform necessary testing.
Ten pieces of advice from pharmacists after recovering from the coronavirus:
- Monitor your health and if need be, consult specialists.
- Strengthen your immune system by regularly taking vitamins and antioxidants.
- Dedicate more time to resting, relaxing, and avoid stress.
- Within reason, be physically active and spend more time outdoors.
- Try to gradually return to your usual everyday routine.
- Dedicate more time to your health and a balanced diet.
- Avoid thinking about the disease, dedicate more time to fostering positivity.
- Don’t be in a hurry, and pay heed to your body.
- Don’t forget to drink enough liquids.
- Even after recovering from the coronavirus, adhere to all Ministry of Healthcare recommendations.
