What is long COVID?
Long COVID is a long-term health issue caused by COVID-19. It’s widely defined as when people have ongoing symptoms for more than three months after a COVID-19 infection, that can’t be explained by another cause. It’s also called post-COVID-19 condition or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).
It’s a new and complex disease that doctors and patients are still learning about. Long COVID can affect different parts of the body and impact people differently.
In Australia, it’s estimated that 5-10% of all people who get COVID-19 will develop long COVID1. Each time you get COVID-19, you can also get long COVID.
Symptoms
Everyone experiences long COVID differently.
Long COVID can make it hard to do everyday activities. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or so severe that people can’t work or study.
Long COVID symptoms can include:
- Feeling extremely tired
- Difficulty concentrating, or “brain fog”
- Shortness of breath
- Ongoing cough
- Dizziness and a fast heartbeat when standing up
- Loss of smell or taste
- Muscle weakness
- Symptoms get worse after physical or mental activity.
Prevention
We still don’t know why some people develop long COVID. The best way to prevent long COVID is to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Long COVID is a post-viral illness. Unlike COVID-19, you can’t give it to family or friends.
Diagnosis
There’s no single test for long COVID. Your doctor will ask you questions and might do some tests to understand your health since you had COVID-19. This helps them figure out the best way to help you.
Tests might include:
- Blood tests
- Blood pressure and heart rate tests
- Lung function tests
- X-rays
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Treatment
Long COVID affects everyone differently. No one treatment works for everyone. The best way to manage long COVID is to work with your doctor to create a plan that’s right for you. Learn more about long COVID at the video link below.
Resources
Living with long COVID can be hard. You might find it difficult to work, exercise or spend time with friends and family. This can make you feel isolated and frustrated. It’s important to get support from your doctor, family, friends or a support group.
Your mental health matters
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is also really important when dealing with a long-term health issue. Our Mind Matters series can help you find ways to support your mental health.
Guide to long COVID
For more information about long COVID, including tips for managing symptoms and where to find support, download our guide to long COVID.
Sources:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) Long COVID in Australia – a review of the literature, catalogue number PHE 318, AIHW, Australian Government.
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