About Long COVID
Long COVID is a collection of new, returning, or ongoing health problems that can last weeks, months, or years after you were infected with COVID-19. Some other names for Long COVID are Post COVID conditions, long haul COVID, post-acute COVID, long term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID. Long COVID can affect people in different ways.
More details are included below.
How do you get Long COVID?
You can get Long COVID if you were infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. If you were infected with COVID-19, and you don’t feel better after a few weeks, you may have Long COVID.
How do you know if you have Long COVID?
To know if you have Long COVID, you should talk to a health care provider.
There is no test that can tell if your symptoms are due to Long COVID because Long COVID is not one illness. Instead, a provider can help diagnose your symptoms.
A provider will ask you about your health history and past COVID-19 diagnoses and do a health examination. Long COVID could be identified starting four weeks after infection.
What are the Long COVID symptoms?
You may experience various symptoms over different lengths of time. Symptoms can go away and come back and may even result in disability. You should speak with your health care provider if you feel sick from COVID-19 for longer than 4 weeks.
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 (Breathing) and Heart Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
Neurological (Sensitivity) 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
Who is More Likely to Get Long COVID?
You can experience Long COVID if you were infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 – regardless of whether you’ve ever tested positive.
Researchers are working to understand which people or groups are more likely to get Long COVID, but you may be at higher risk if:
- You experienced severe COVID-19 illness, especially if you were hospitalized or needed intensive care.
- You had underlying health conditions prior to diagnosis.
- You experienced multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) during or after COVID illness.
- You are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
- You were infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) more than once.
Prevent Long COVID
The best way to prevent Long COVID is by staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine and seeking treatment if eligible.
Click here to get a vaccine.
Live with Long COVID
Screening and Clinical Trials for Long COVID
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Inova COVID-19 Recovery and Rehabilitation Center offers screening and assessments if you are experiencing symptoms associated with Long COVID
- The National Institute of Health (NIH) launched clinical trials to test 4 potential treatments for long COVID through the RECOVER Initiative. People aged 18 years and older can enroll in the trial.
- The CDC-funded INSPIRE Covid study is collecting information from patients about their experiences with Long COVID.
Long COVID Resources for Work and School
- The City of Alexandria Office of Human Rights receives and investigates complaints of employment discrimination if you have conditions like Long COVID.
- Long COVID can be considered a disability under sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Staff and students can succeed with personalized accommodations.
- The Department of Education shared guidance on required supports for students who are experiencing Long COVID.
Learn More
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The Department of Health and Human Services has resources about Long COVID and support at COVID.gov - Long COVID.