For most people, COVID-19 is a short-term illness. But for some, symptoms linger for months or even years. This condition, known as long COVID, can affect many parts of the body and make it hard to work, exercise or manage daily life. It can follow even a mild infection.
What is long COVID?
Long COVID refers to health problems that continue or develop after a COVID-19 infection and last for at least three months. A large international study published in JAMA estimated that about 6% of people with symptomatic COVID-19 had at least one cluster of long COVID symptoms three months after infection, and that most cases followed a mild illness.
Common symptoms
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort, called post-exertional malaise
- Trouble thinking or concentrating, often called brain fog
- Shortness of breath or cough
- Heart palpitations or a racing heart, sometimes when standing
- Dizziness when standing
- Sleep problems
- Changes in smell or taste
- Joint or muscle pain
- Depression or anxiety
Who is at risk?
Anyone who’s had COVID-19 can develop long COVID. Risk appears higher for people who had severe illness, women, people with certain chronic conditions and people who are unvaccinated. Multiple infections may also raise the risk.
How it’s diagnosed
There’s no single test for long COVID. Doctors diagnose it based on your history of COVID-19, your symptoms and tests to rule out other causes. Keeping a symptom diary, noting what makes symptoms better or worse, can help your doctor.
Managing long COVID
There’s no single cure yet, but many people improve over time. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
- Pacing: balancing activity and rest to avoid crashes, especially for people with post-exertional malaise
- Treating specific symptoms, such as heart rate problems, sleep issues or pain
- Rehabilitation with physical, occupational or speech therapists, carefully tailored to your energy levels
- Mental health support
- Specialty clinics that focus on post-COVID care
People with long COVID should be cautious with intense exercise, which can worsen symptoms for some. Work with your care team on a safe plan.
Lowering your risk
- Avoid infection when possible, especially during surges.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, which studies suggest may lower the risk of long COVID.
- If you’re at higher risk and get sick, ask about antiviral treatment.
- Give yourself time to recover after an infection before returning to strenuous activity.
What this means for you
If symptoms last more than a few weeks after COVID-19, talk with your doctor. You’re not imagining it, and help is available. Long COVID may qualify as a disability under some laws, which can make you eligible for workplace accommodations.
The bottom line
Long COVID can cause lasting fatigue, brain fog, breathing problems and more, even after mild infections. There’s no single test or cure, but symptom management, pacing and specialized care can help many people improve.
Common questions
Can children get long COVID?
Yes, though it appears less common in children than in adults. Talk with your child’s doctor about lingering symptoms.
Is there a test for long COVID?
No single test can diagnose long COVID. Doctors base the diagnosis on your history and symptoms and may order tests to rule out other conditions.
Can long COVID go away?
Many people improve gradually over months, though some have symptoms for longer. Working with a healthcare team can help you manage symptoms and track progress.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
