"Long COVID" is another term for post-COVID conditions, which are new, returning, or lingering symptoms weeks or months after having COVID-19. Many people who test positive for COVID-19 feel better within a few days or weeks, and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last months or longer after the infection has gone.
There is no single test for post-COVID conditions. While long COVID is more common in persons who experienced severe COVID-19, some individuals with post-COVID conditions had mild illness, did not have any symptoms or did not know they were infected.
There is no single test for post-COVID conditions. While long COVID is more common in persons who experienced severe COVID-19, some individuals with post-COVID conditions had mild illness, did not have any symptoms or did not know they were infected.
The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to take steps to protect yourself from becoming infected by wearing a mask, keeping events and gatherings small and outdoors or improving ventilation, and staying away from others who have COVID-19. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines strongly protects against severe illness and reduces your risk of becoming infected. Research suggests that people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are less likely to report post-COVID conditions, compared to people who are unvaccinated.
Studies are in progress to better understand long COVID and how many people experience this condition. Estimates of how many people experience post-COVID conditions can vary:
- 13.3% of persons report symptoms one month or more after COVID-19 infection
- 2.5% of persons report symptoms three months or more after infection
- Over 30% of persons who were hospitalized for COVID-19 report symptoms at 6 months
One large study, called RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) was launched by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to better understand post-COVID conditions. You can learn more about the trial and how to join at the RECOVER webpage.
CDPH is also studying post-COVID conditions through partnerships with academic institutions, such as UCSF. One study, INSPIRE (Innovative Support for Patients with SARS CoV-2 Infection Registry) uses an online platform to enroll people 18 years or older after they test positive for COVID-19 and sends surveys over time to learn about the long-term effects of COVID-19. You can learn more about how to participate on the UCSF study page.
- People who had severe COVID-19 illness, especially those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care
- People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19
- People who had underlying health conditions prior to COVID-19
Although long COVID does appear to be more common in adults, children and adolescents do report post-COVID conditions.
The CDC and other researchers are working to understand more about who experiences long COVID and why, including whether groups most impacted by COVID-19 are at higher risk for long COVID.
Symptoms can vary after a COVID-19 infection.
- 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
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- 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
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have one. If you have health insurance but do not have a primary care provider, you can call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card OR other providers in your health plan to see if there are available appointments.
If you don’t have health insurance, visit our Health Insurance webpage today for information about signing up.
Please also see the CDC’s Patient Tips: Healthcare Provider Appointments for Post-COVID Conditions.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and the impact they're having on your life. They will want to make sure that your symptoms are not related to a different health problem.
Your provider will talk to you about the care and support you might need. You may be given advice about how to manage and monitor your symptoms at home. Most patients’ symptoms slowly improve with time.
If the symptoms are having a big impact on your life, you may be referred to a clinic that specializes in the specific symptoms you have.
Yes, there are support and patient advocacy groups for people with post-COVID conditions including: Survivor Corps, Body Politic, Long COVID Alliance, and Long COVID Kids. See the CDC's webpage on Caring for People with Post-COVID Conditions for more resources, as well as the How Right Now support page.
For more information, please visit the CDC’s webpage on Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions and CDPH’s Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID) Questions & Answers.
