KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When it comes to COVID-19, there are many remaining unknowns.
That is true for what people should do after testing positive, isolating and recovering from a bout with the virus.
Zoe Jones got the virus early on in pandemic and felt lasting effects for weeks, even after being cleared to resume some activities.
"Unfortunately, I had every symptom in the book," Jones said. "The worst ones were the headache, it was a consistent headache for like three weeks. ... The chest pain was really hard. I would get up and go and work out or something and immediately after I had to collect myself."
With the long-term impacts of COVID-19 uncertain, Jones, and many others who've recovered from an infection, wonder about the need for additional checkups.
"A lot depends on of the amount of residual symptoms somebody has and if they are in a high-risk group," Dr. Chris Brychel, an infectious disease expert at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, said, "If somebody is low risk, not advanced stage or medical comorbidities and feeling well without concerns, we always encourage preventative care."
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease expert with the University of Kansas Health System, said you should not have to get a physical just because you have tested positive for COVID-19.
"If you have concerns and you still have some lingering symptoms, which we know occurs with so many COVID-19 patients, I would talk with your primary care physician or your medical team about those," Hawkinson said.
There are some signs to look for after isolation that would be a sign to see a doctor.
"Traditional blood clots in the legs, so swelling that is asymmetrical — one leg is dramatically larger than the other, painful, red," Brychel said. "If somebody had significant chest pain or any of those regardless at any point of the illness that they are in, it would warrant seeking care right away."
Doctors said heart issues would be another critical topic to bring up with a doctor.
"Kind of in its own category, but part of the circulatory system would be cardiac issues and so there does seem to be an increase rate of heart attacks," Brychel said. "But also cardiomyopathy, where inflammation of the heart occurs. Typically, looking for signs or symptoms of ineffective heart function."
Bottom line, if something seems abnormal or is bothering you, see a doctor.
Brychel also recommends that his patients who have recovered from the virus always wear a mask and to stay six feet apart.
Jones said you can't let your guard down.
"Just remember how bad it felt when you had it and how terrible it would be to give it to other people," she said. "That is one of the worst feelings."
