Understanding the lingering effects of COVID-19 and how to protect yourself
Although most people with COVID-19 will get better after a few weeks, some do not fully recover from their illness. Post-COVID conditions are health problems that people experience four or more weeks after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can be new, returning, or ongoing. They can last for months or longer and range from mild to debilitating.
Symptoms
Since the virus that causes COVID-19 can impact many systems of the body in different ways, long COVID symptoms can vary a lot from person to person. People with long COVID may have one or many symptoms, such as different combinations of the following:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering (sometimes called “brain fog”)
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort
• Cough
• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Fever
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat (also known as heart palpitations)
• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Dizziness or lightheadedness on standing
• Joint or muscle pain
• Pins-and-needles feeling
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Skin issues like rash or hair loss
• Mood changes, including depression or anxiety
• Changes in sense of smell or taste
• Changes in menstrual period cycles
• And other symptoms reported
COVID-19 and Pre-existing health conditions
COVID-19 might also trigger or worsen health issues such as diabetes, blood clotting (including stroke), heart disease or heart failure, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions. It is important to note that health conditions other than long COVID can also cause these symptoms and complications. Talk to a health care provider if symptoms are not improving or interfere with daily life. Visit Long COVID Resources and Support for more information.
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