Long COVID

What is long COVID?

Long COVID, also called post-COVID-19 condition or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), happens when symptoms continue for 4 weeks or more after the initial COVID-19 illness. It can affect anyone, even people who had mild or no symptoms at first.

Symptoms of long COVID

Symptoms vary and may come and go. Common ones include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble thinking or concentrating (“brain fog”)
• Sleep problems
• Headache
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness when standing
• Loss of taste or smell
• Joint or muscle pain
• Anxiety or depression

What causes long COVID?

The exact cause is not known. Experts believe it may be linked to:

• Ongoing inflammation in the body
• Damage to organs or tissues during the infection
• The immune system reacting in unusual ways

Research is ongoing to understand why some people develop long COVID.

How is long COVID diagnosed?

There is no single test. Doctors diagnose long COVID by:

• Reviewing your medical history and COVID-19 illness
• Asking about ongoing symptoms
• Ordering blood work, imaging tests, or other evaluations to rule out other conditions

Can long COVID be prevented or avoided?

The best way to lower your risk is to prevent COVID-19 infection through vaccination, masking, and other safety measures. Staying up to date with vaccines also lowers the risk of severe illness and may reduce the chance of long COVID.

Long COVID treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Options include:

• Medicines to help with pain, sleep problems, or anxiety
• Pulmonary rehabilitation or physical therapy for breathing and movement issues
• Counseling or support groups for coping with chronic illness
• Working with a team of health care professionals to manage ongoing problems

Living with long COVID

Living with long COVID can be challenging. Symptoms may affect daily activities, work, and mental health. Recovery is different for each person. Support from your family doctor, specialists, and community resources can help.