Long COVID

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID, also called Post-COVID Conditions, refers to a range of symptoms and health conditions that can occur following infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Long COVID can affect one or more body systems, and symptoms may be continuous or may improve, worsen, disappear, and return over time. Some people develop Long COVID after a severe COVID-19 illness, while others develop it after a mild or even initially unrecognized infection.

Common Long COVID Symptoms

Long COVID can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and may affect multiple body systems. Commonly reported symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue

• Post-exertional malaise (symptoms that worsen after physical or mental activity)

• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

• Headaches

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fast heart rate or heart palpitations

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort

• Sleep problems

• Muscle or joint pain

• Changes in smell or taste

• Digestive symptoms

• Anxiety or mood changes

Symptoms may improve, worsen, or change over time. Because many Long COVID symptoms can also occur with other health conditions, evaluation may include considering other possible causes of persistent symptoms.

Our Approach to Long COVID

Long COVID can affect multiple areas of health, and symptoms can vary considerably from one person to another. Care begins with understanding your COVID history, current symptoms, previous health conditions, medications, testing, and how your symptoms are affecting your daily life.

Sally Davidson, ANP, IFMCP, works with patients experiencing persistent and complex symptoms following COVID-19. Her approach is individualized based on each patient's symptoms, health history, previous evaluation, and specific healthcare needs.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Your evaluation may include a detailed review of your symptoms, COVID history, previous infections, medical history, medications, nutrition, sleep, activity tolerance, and other factors that may be relevant to your health.

Laboratory Testing When Appropriate

Depending on your symptoms and health history, laboratory testing may be considered to evaluate specific health concerns, identify or rule out other possible contributors to symptoms, and help guide individualized care.

Individualized Care

Recommendations are based on the symptoms and health concerns affecting each patient. Care may include nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, supplements, medications when appropriate, and other supportive therapies based on individual needs.

Coordinated Care

Some Long COVID symptoms may require evaluation or treatment from other healthcare professionals. When appropriate, care can be coordinated with your primary care physician, cardiologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, or other specialists involved in your care.

How Is Long COVID Evaluated?

There is currently no single laboratory test that can diagnose or rule out Long COVID. Evaluation is based on your health history, previous COVID-19 infection, symptoms, physical examination when appropriate, and other clinical findings.

Depending on your symptoms, your practitioner may recommend laboratory testing or other evaluation to better understand specific health concerns and identify other conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Understanding Post-Exertional Malaise

Some people with Long COVID experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental activity that previously would have been tolerated.

Symptoms may worsen hours or even a day or more after the activity and can take time to improve. For patients experiencing PEM, activity recommendations should be individualized rather than simply encouraging progressively more exercise.

Your practitioner can help you consider your symptoms, activity tolerance, and recovery patterns when developing recommendations.

Common Questions About Long COVID

How do I know if I have Long COVID?

Long COVID is diagnosed based on your health history, previous COVID-19 infection or exposure, symptoms, and clinical evaluation. There is currently no single laboratory test that can confirm or rule out Long COVID. Your practitioner may recommend testing to evaluate specific symptoms or identify other health conditions that could be contributing to how you feel.

Can you have Long COVID after a mild case of COVID?

Yes. Long COVID can develop after mild, severe, or even initially asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Symptoms may begin during the initial illness, persist afterward, or appear following a period of recovery.

Is there a treatment for Long COVID?

There is currently no single treatment that works for everyone with Long COVID. Care is individualized based on the symptoms and health concerns affecting each patient and may include treatment of specific symptoms or conditions, medications when appropriate, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, and other supportive therapies.

Will Long COVID eventually go away?

Long COVID affects people differently, so there is no single timeline for recovery. Some people experience significant improvement over time, while others have symptoms that persist, fluctuate, or change for months or longer. Care can focus on managing symptoms, improving daily function, and addressing specific health concerns as they arise.