You Asked: What are the symptoms of long COVID and how much do we know about it?

You asked:

“What are the symptoms of long COVID and how much do we know about it?”

Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms, What We Know, and Where to Find Help

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have recovered within a few weeks. But for others, symptoms can last much longer, or even appear weeks after the initial illness. This condition is known as Long COVID, or post-COVID conditions.

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID is a condition where symptoms continue or develop four weeks or more after a COVID-19 infection. It can affect many parts of the body and may come and go over time.

Current estimates suggest that about 6% to 7% of adults and around 1% of children experience Long COVID.

Common Symptoms

People with Long COVID report a wide range of symptoms—over 200 have been documented. Some of the most common include:

General symptoms

  • Ongoing fatigue that interferes with daily life

  • Fever

  • Feeling worse after physical or mental activity (post-exertional malaise)

Brain and nervous system

  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating (“brain fog”)

  • Headaches

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Changes in smell or taste

Lungs and heart

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chronic cough

  • Chest pain

  • Heart palpitations

Digestive system

  • Stomach pain

  • Diarrhea or constipation

Other symptoms

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Dizziness when standing

  • Anxiety or depression

What Do We Know So Far?

Research on Long COVID is ongoing, and our understanding continues to grow.

Scientists believe Long COVID may be caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Lingering virus fragments in the body

  • Ongoing inflammation

  • Tiny blood clots (microclots) affecting oxygen flow

  • Autoimmune responses, where the body attacks its own tissues

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some people may be more likely to develop Long COVID, including:

  • Women, especially those in midlife

  • Older adults

  • People with underlying health conditions like diabetes or heart disease

  • Those who had more severe COVID-19 illness

Diagnosis and Treatment

There is currently no single test for Long COVID. Health care providers diagnose it by reviewing symptoms and ruling out other conditions.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Researchers are actively studying potential treatments through efforts like the NIH RECOVER Initiative, including medications and therapies for specific symptoms.

Can Long COVID Be Prevented?

Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines can help reduce the risk of developing Long COVID. Studies suggest vaccination lowers the risk by 15% to 70%, with an average reduction of about 40%.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you care about is experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID-19, you’re not alone, and support is available. Talking with a health care provider is an important first step toward understanding symptoms and finding relief.

Learn More

For trusted, up-to-date information, visit:

Have a Public Health Question? We’re Here to Help.

In a time when misinformation spreads quickly, getting reliable health information matters more than ever. As your local community health organization, Healthy Acadia is here to help you find trustworthy answers.

If you have questions about routine health screenings, such as how to protect yourself and your family from severe respiratory illness, vaccines, or any other current health concerns, we invite you to send them our way. We'll do our best to reply to every question and offer evidence-based, up-to-date guidance, along with links to vetted health resources.

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POSTTracey Carlsonchronic illness, covid, HPM