Valley Health Creates Program Addressing Lingering COVID Symptoms

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — There are many things health experts still don't know about the COVID-19, especially when it comes to the lingering symptoms related to the virus. Valley Health System officials admit there is still more to learn, but are offering a new program aimed at helping those experiencing long-term symptoms.

Billed as "Care After COVID," Valley announced the launch in a news release Friday.

"We know that many individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 are continuing to face lingering symptoms or side effects" said Dr. Puneeta Sharma, Chair of Medical Specialty Services for Valley Medical Group. "We want to help those individuals get the care they need to recover from the illness."

The program is designed address the needs of those who have symptoms that continue for 30 or more days after a COVID-19 infection, according to Valley officials.

The Centers for Disease Control is still working toward understanding why COVID-19 symptoms linger in some patients, but have discovered that "many organs besides the lungs are affected by COVID-19."

Included in the CDC's commonly reported long-term symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, and joint and chest pain. However, there are also reports of other symptoms post-COVID-19.

They include:

• Difficulty with thinking and concentration (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• Depression
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Intermittent fever
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

According to Valley, the program coordinates the services of a multidisciplinary medical team to address these long-term issues.

How to sign up

To access Care After COVID, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391), and press option 6. You will be connected to a registered nurse, who will assist in coordinating appointments with the appropriate medical specialists.