Facts About Long Covid
What is Long Covid?
Long or post-Covid is new, returning, or ongoing signs, symptoms, and health conditions people experience after being infected with Covid. While many people with Covid get better within a few days or weeks, some develop long-term health problems. This definition of Long Covid was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with CDC and other partners.
Long Covid is a real illness and can result in chronic conditions that require continued or additional care.
Long Covid can cause a range of continued health problems that may last weeks, months, or years.
If you experience severe Covid illness, you are more likely to develop Long Covid. However, anyone who has been infected with Covid can experience Long Covid.
If you are not vaccine against Covid, you may have a higher risk of developing Long Covid compared to vaccinated people.
Each time you are infected or reinfected with Covid, you have a risk of developing Long Covid.
Some people who develop Long Covid, may not have known they were infected with Covid.
What are the symptoms of Long Covid?
People with Long Covid can experience a wide range of symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years after Covid infection. The symptoms may go away and come back again. It can sometimes result in disability.
Long Covid may not affect everyone the same way. Though most symptoms slowly improve with time, speaking with your healthcare provider about the symptoms you are experiencing after having Covid could help determine if you might have Long Covid.
General symptoms
Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort
Fever
Respiratory and heart symptoms
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough
Chest pain
Fast-beating or pounding heart
Neurological symptoms
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Headache
Sleep problems
Dizziness when you stand up
Pins-and-needles feelings
Change in smell or taste
Depression or anxiety
Digestive symptoms
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Additional symptoms
Joint or muscle pain
Rash
Changes in menstrual cycles
Some Long Covid symptoms are not explained by tests or easy to manage. If your symptoms are severe or unmanageable, see your healthcare provider for guidance on how to best cope with long COVID.
How do I know if I have Long Covid?
Currently, there is no way to determine if you have Long Covid.
If you think you have Long Covid, speak to your healthcare provider. They will review your health history, including a positive test result or symptoms of Covid, in addition to doing a health examination for a diagnosis of post-Covid conditions.
Who is more likely to develop Long Covid?
Anyone can experience Long Covid. However, certain groups of people are more likely to develop post-Covid conditions. These groups include:
People who have not been vaccinated against Covid.
People with underlying health conditions.
People who experienced severe illness from Covid, especially those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care.
What if I think I have Long Covid?
It's difficult to say how Long COVID will last and what the long-term effects may be. Some people have reported feeling better after a few weeks, while others have continued to experience symptoms for months. When there are no immediate answers or solutions, Long Covid can be hard.
If you think you might have Long COVID, there are a few things you can do:
Keep track of your symptoms and how long they last. This can help you and your healthcare provider understand what you’re experiencing.
Get plenty of rest and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself will help your body recover from the virus.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid tobacco and alcohol. These substances can make symptoms worse.
Stay in touch with your friends and family. Talking to loved ones can help reduce stress and anxiety.
See your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or you’re having trouble managing them.
If your symptoms are severe or unmanageable, see your healthcare provider for guidance on how to best cope with long COVID.
How can I protect myself from Long Covid?
The best way to protect yourself from Long Covid is to get vaccinated against Covid. Vaccination can help protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hygiene habits, including washing hands frequently, avoiding people who are sick, and staying home when you feel sick.