Most people with COVID-19 get better within a few days to a few weeks after infection but some people continue to experience long-term effects. Those who have a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 may have developed Long COVID. Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after acute COVID-19 infection. At least 4 weeks after infection is the start of when Long COVID can first be identified.

Research and studies about Long COVID are ongoing and still in progress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants people to be aware there is no test that determines if your symptoms or condition is due to COVID-19. Long COVID is not one illness. Healthcare providers consider a diagnosis of Long COVID based on your health history, including if you were diagnosed with COVID-19 by a positive test, symptoms or exposure, or a health examination.

Symptoms of Long COVID include*:

General Symptoms

• Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise“)
• Fever

Respiratory and heart symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological symptoms

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• Headache
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
• Pins-and-needles feelings
• Change in smell or taste
• Depression or anxiety

Digestive symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Other symptoms

• Joint or muscle pain
• Rash
• Changes in menstrual cycles

*Note: This list does not include all possible symptoms.

Long COVID occurs more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience it. The CDC states people who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and become infected may have a higher risk of developing Long COVID. People who have been reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, multiple times, people who had underlying health conditions prior to COVID-19, women and older adults also have a higher risk of developing Long COVID.

The best way to prevent Long COVID is to protect yourself from the COVID-19 illness. Always take proactive steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by washing your hands, wearing masks in crowds, staying home when sick, and staying up-to-date on vaccines.

If you would like more information about Long COVID, please visit Long COVID | Washington State Department of Health and Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions | CDC

This article is made possible in part by the Washington State Department of Health through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Resources
Long COVID | Washington State Department of Health
Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions | CDC