Long COVID

COVID-19, like many other viruses, can cause ongoing symptoms such as a cough or fatigue. However, most people will recover in a few weeks.

Long COVID is a condition where people have long-term symptoms for at least 3 months after getting COVID-19, that continue for at least 2 months. There is no test for long COVID. Doctors must rule out other conditions with similar symptoms to diagnose it.

Research to understand how long COVID develops, who is at risk and treatment options is still emerging. The best way to avoid long COVID is to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Long COVID symptoms can be mild or severe. Common symptoms in adults include:

• fatigue
• shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
• memory, concentration or sleep problems
• a persistent cough
• chest pain
• headaches
• muscle aches
• loss of smell or taste
• depression or anxiety.

Long COVID is less common in children. In children and adolescents aged 16 years or less, symptoms include:

• mood symptoms such as depression, anxiety and irritability
• fatigue
• concentration or learning difficulties
• sleep problems.

It can be hard to tell the difference between long COVID and similar conditions, such as lung, heart or neurological problems. So, it is important that you speak with your doctor if you experience symptoms you are concerned about.

Long COVID is not contagious, even if you have symptoms.

Most people with COVID-19 get better in a few days or weeks, but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or months.

When symptoms continue for at least 3 months, this may be long COVID.

A small number of people may have symptoms of long COVID for 12 or more months.

Current studies show long COVID is more common in: 

• people who have not had a COVID-19 vaccine
• people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and asthma
• people who have had severe illness from COVID-19 (needed to go to hospital)
• people who have had COVID-19 more than once
• women aged over 65.

While most symptoms of long COVID can be managed at home, symptoms may affect people differently. It is important you speak to a doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Treatment for long COVID aims to manage symptoms and any complications. There is no single treatment for long COVID. If you have long COVID, it is important to rest and avoid activities that are too tiring while you recover.

A doctor will guide you on how to manage symptoms at home or will refer you to a specialist.

The best way to protect yourself from long COVID is by not getting infected with COVID-19. You can protect yourself by practising COVID safe behaviours:

• stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations
• get tested if you have symptoms
• practice good hand hygiene, like regular handwashing
• avoid crowded spaces and get together in well-ventilated spaces
• talk with your doctor if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines.