Facts about Long COVID
- Long COVID is not COVID-19 — it is the longer-term effects some people experience after COVID-19 infection.
- Symptoms of long COVID can be quite different from those experienced during the initial infection with COVID-19.
- Symptoms of long COVID condition are diverse and can be both physical and psychological.
- Long COVID may occur in some people weeks or months after their initial infection with COVID-19.
- Long COVID can occur in people who had no symptoms or only moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
Possible Symptoms of Long COVID
Research is ongoing into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of long COVID. There is currently no universally agreed-upon approach to diagnose and treat post COVID-19 condition. More than 100 different symptoms or difficulties have been associated with long COVID.
Respiratory symtoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Breathlessness
- Cough
Cardiovascular symptoms
- Chest tightness or pain
- Rapid heart rate
Generalized symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Tiredness after exertion and/or poor endurance
- Impaired daily function and mobility
- Fever
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
Neurological symptoms
- Insomnia and other sleep difficulties
- “Brain fog,” loss of concentration, memory issues
- Headache
- “Pins and needles” and/or numbness
- Dizziness
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Open configuration options
Musculoskeletal symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle pain
Psychological or psychiatric symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Sensory symptoms
- Loss of taste
- Loss of smell
Dermatological symptoms
- Skin rashes