CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on December 19, 2020.
MetroHealth is making it easier for people who have battled COVID-19 and still have symptoms after the fact.
According to a press release from the hospital system sent out on Tuesday afternoon, MetroHealth has opened a clinic specifically aimed at assisting Northeast Ohioans dealing with the aftermath of the coronavirus.
"There's still so much to learn about this virus," says Elisheva Weinberger, DO, a rheumatologist at MetroHealth said. "The clinic connects patients who are suffering with lingering symptoms of COVID to the appropriate specialist who can determine the best after-care treatment to minimize symptoms through therapy or medication."
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that long-term symptoms are not uncommon among those who have recovered from the coronavirus and that the most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, anxiety, and chest pain.
While these may seem mild compared to some of the more severe side effects that COVID-19 has been known to cause, the CDC also says that many post-coronavirus patients experience symptoms like "brain fog," depression, heart palpitations, and more.
Lisa Ramage, director of MetroHealth's Post-COVID clinic says that if symptoms from COVID-19 continue to last or disrupt daily life weeks after a positive test result, it may be the right time to seek out medical attention.
The new clinic is currently holding appointments by phone and online virtually.
Dr. Weinberger says that no matter what symptom a patient is feeling, there is help out there.
"It may be medication to ease symptoms or simply getting patients who are dealing with anxiety and depression an appointment with a behavioral health provider in a timely manner."
Currently, appointments through the Post-COVID Clinic are virtual – by phone and video. Contact the Post-COVID Clinic at (216) 957-3959 to set up an appointment.