Top 6 Essential Tests to Consider During Post-COVID Check-ups

If you have previously contracted COVID-19 and are experiencing lingering symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, reduced lung function, and general physical weakness, it is highly recommended to visit a hospital for a thorough examination.

Additionally, the following groups of people should also consider post-COVID check-ups to prevent potential complications:

• Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, metabolic disorders, etc.
• People over 60 years old, who may have undiagnosed conditions that could worsen after contracting COVID-19.
• People who suffered from severe COVID-19 symptoms, were hospitalized, or required oxygen support.

Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors will prescribe appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods:

Tests:

Tests will be performed to analyze blood counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and blood sugar levels. Furthermore, liver and kidney function will be assessed, along with evaluating inflammation levels and screening for any potential cardiovascular risks.

Imaging Diagnosis:

Doctors will likely recommend an ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, CT scan, and MRI of the lungs and brain. Additionally, abdominal ultrasound will be conducted to detect any abnormalities, assess organ damage, and determine timely treatments to prevent serious complications.

Besides these tests, doctors will offer advice on managing post-COVID symptoms, such as:

• Ensuring proper nutrition, staying hydrated, and supplementing with vitamins and minerals.
• Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and lifestyle while avoiding harmful substances.
• Engaging in regular physical activity and exercises.
• Practicing deep breathing exercises regularly.
• Listening to and understanding your body, seeking medical help if any irregularities occur.
• Researching trusted health information from reliable sources.
• Keeping a positive and calm mindset.

Basic Health Check-up Package:
This package includes 11 tests:

• Consultation with an internal medicine doctor
• ENT specialist consultation
• Complete blood count
• Blood urea nitrogen – Kidney function test
• Creatinine levels
• ALT (GPT) activity measurement
• AST (GOT) activity measurement
• CRP levels
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Complimentary light snack after examination

• Consultation with an internal medicine doctor
• ENT specialist consultation
• Complete blood count
• Blood urea nitrogen – Kidney function test
• Creatinine levels
• ALT (GPT) activity measurement
• AST (GOT) activity measurement
• CRP levels
• Chest X-ray
• Chest CT scan
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Complimentary light snack after examination

Comprehensive Health Check-up Package:
This package includes a full range of 23 tests:

• Consultation with an internal medicine doctor
• ENT specialist consultation
• Complete blood count
• Glucose test – Fasting blood sugar
• Blood urea nitrogen – Kidney function test
• Creatinine levels
• ALT (GPT) activity measurement
• AST (GOT) activity measurement
• Cholesterol – Blood fat levels
• Triglycerides levels
• HDL-C and LDL-C measurement
• Fibrinogen levels
• Albumin levels
• Electrolyte levels
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Cardiac ultrasound
• Chest X-ray
• Chest CT scan
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Complimentary light snack after examination

Before undergoing a post-COVID health check-up, keep the following points in mind:

• Some services may not be available based on the doctor's recommendations
• If you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy, please inform the medical staff immediately to avoid X-ray or CT scans
• Wear comfortable clothing for easier examination
• Avoid having breakfast if you're scheduled for tests (advanced and comprehensive packages)
• Refrain from drinking beverages like coffee, tea, soda, or juice, and stick to water before your appointment
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol within 24 hours prior to the check-up

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome refers to the lingering effects of COVID-19 that last for weeks or even months after the initial infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), post-COVID-19 syndrome is defined as: "The condition that occurs in individuals who are likely or confirmed to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, typically three months after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, with symptoms lasting at least two months and no other explanation for the condition."

All diseases leave some kind of aftereffect (whether mild or severe, rare or common). These aftereffects are referred to as 'post' (which can refer to either the disease itself or complications from it). Therefore, post-COVID refers to the condition where a person has recovered from COVID-19, but the symptoms persist, potentially for weeks or even months. These symptoms cannot be explained by any other diagnoses.

People with post-COVID syndrome experience not only mental and physical health issues but also disruptions in their daily work, studies, and life. Therefore, it is crucial to consult and undergo post-COVID check-ups at reputable hospitals.

The purpose of a post-COVID-19 health check-up is to assess and diagnose a patient's health condition after recovering from COVID-19. This helps in the effective management of post-COVID symptoms. While most people recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks, some may experience recurring or prolonged symptoms that affect their health. This condition is known as post-COVID-19.

Although COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, individuals with severe cases may also experience multi-organ dysfunction, including issues with the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain. Post-COVID-19 health check-ups help assess the function of these organs and diagnose any associated conditions, such as inflammation, blood clotting issues, etc. This allows for timely treatment of any existing post-COVID complications and helps prevent potential risks in the future.

To understand what a post-COVID health check-up package includes, let's take a look at some of the most common post-COVID complications:

Fatigue: This is arguably the most common lingering symptom, affecting both mild and severe cases of COVID-19. Studies show that 50-90% of those who have recovered from COVID-19 experience persistent fatigue and weakness long after their initial recovery.

Neurological Complications: These can vary widely in severity. After recovery, some individuals experience headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty focusing. In more severe cases, patients may experience brain fog, confusion, diminished cognitive abilities, and language processing difficulties.

Respiratory Issues: Damage to the lungs caused by COVID-19 can lead to long-term respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent coughing. These symptoms are more common in those who had severe pneumonia, were on a ventilator, or underwent ECMO treatment. Older individuals and those with weakened health are also at higher risk for these complications.

Psychological Disturbances: Even after recovery, many individuals continue to suffer from persistent headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and feelings of distress. This is often due to the virus’s effect on nerve cells, as well as the trauma caused by isolation during illness. Without proper mental health support, some may experience depression.

Cardiovascular Issues: Post-COVID cardiovascular symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, and rapid heart rate. These can occur in both individuals with and without pre-existing heart conditions. However, those with existing heart disease face higher risks and may require hospitalization for treatment.

In addition to the more common complications, post-COVID may also cause rarer issues such as hair loss, hormonal imbalances, reduced fertility, and acute liver damage.