Long COVID

Most people who have had COVID-19 recover within a few weeks. However, although it is not common, in some patients the symptoms may persist for a long time. These ongoing health problems are sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-COVID conditions, long COVID-19, long-term COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). 

 

What is post-COVID-19 syndrome and how common is it? 

Post-COVID-19 syndrome is defined as symptoms that last longer than two months or return after having had COVID-19. In some people, post-COVID-19 syndrome can continue for months or years. 

Research shows that between one month and one year after having COVID-19, 1 in every 5 people aged 18 to 64 has at least one symptom that may be related to COVID-19. Among patients aged 65 and over, the proportion with at least one symptom that may be related to COVID-19 is 25%. 

 

What are the symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome? 

The most commonly reported symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome are: 

1. Fatigue 
2. Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort 
3. Fever 
4. Respiratory (lung) symptoms, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and cough 

 

Other possible symptoms may include: 

1. Neurological symptoms or mental health conditions; difficulty thinking or concentrating, headache, sleep problems, dizziness when standing, pins-and-needles sensation, loss of smell or taste, and depression or anxiety 
2. Joint or muscle pain 
3. Heart symptoms; chest pain and fast or irregular heartbeat 
4. Digestive symptoms; diarrhoea and abdominal pain 
5. Blood clots and blood vessel (vascular) problems; a blood clot travelling from the deep veins of the legs to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) 

 

What can I do to protect myself from post-COVID-19 syndrome? 

1. Keep washing your hands regularly. 
2. Stay away from people who are sick. 
3. Wear a mask if you are in a crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated space. 
4. Get vaccinated and keep your doses up to date.  
5. Practise respiratory hygiene; cough or sneeze into your elbow. 

 

Does the vaccine protect against post-COVID-19 syndrome? 

The vaccine reduces the risk of developing long COVID but does not eliminate it completely; recommended doses should be kept up to date. The vaccines we use today are aimed at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. However, some people can still become infected with COVID-19 even after being vaccinated. 

 

What should you do if you suspect post-COVID-19 syndrome? 

Consult your doctor for differential diagnosis from other diseases and for symptom treatment.