Long COVID is what happens when a person keeps feeling sick long after they’ve had COVID-19. Maybe you’ve heard it called “long-haul COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome.” No matter the name, it means someone still feels bad weeks, months, or even years after their original infection. And here’s the tricky part: even if someone had a mild case of COVID, they could still end up with long COVID. Some people get better quickly, but others have symptoms that stick around and make everyday life harder.
Doctors and scientists are still learning why this happens. Some think the virus hides in the body and flares back up. Others believe the immune system, which fights germs, gets confused and attacks healthy parts of the body. Or it might be that the infection throws the immune system out of balance, and it stays that way. No matter the reason, people with long COVID are not imagining things. Their symptoms are real and affect their lives in big ways.
The symptoms of long COVID are different for everyone. One person might feel tired all the time. Another might feel short of breath just walking across the room. Some people have chest pain or a pounding heart. Others feel dizzy, weak, or get terrible headaches. Some people feel like they’re in a fog and can’t think clearly. They might forget things or have trouble focusing on simple tasks. Others have stomach trouble, like diarrhea or constipation. There are even people who lose their sense of taste or smell for months.
One of the most common problems is overwhelming fatigue. People say they feel completely wiped out from doing normal things—like grocery shopping or folding laundry. And it’s not just being tired. It’s the kind of tired where you need a nap just to make it through the day. That kind of exhaustion is called post-exertional malaise, and it’s one of the key signs of long COVID.
Other people with long COVID notice changes in their mood or emotions. They may feel anxious, sad, or even angry. It’s not just about being in a bad mood—these feelings can be intense and hard to control. Depression and anxiety are very common with long COVID. Some people even report thoughts of hopelessness. If that’s happening, it’s important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional right away.
The heart and lungs can also be affected. Some people feel like their heart races even when they’re sitting still. Others feel like they can’t catch their breath. In more serious cases, the virus may have caused inflammation in the heart muscle or the lining of the blood vessels. These heart-related symptoms may lead to chest pain or even heart rhythm problems. People who already had heart disease might find that their condition got worse after COVID.
Long COVID can even affect your brain. Many people report “brain fog,” which means they can’t think clearly, remember things, or concentrate. This can make it hard to do your job or enjoy time with family and friends. Even simple things like following a recipe or remembering someone’s name can feel impossible. The good news is that most people do get better with time, though the process can be slow and frustrating.
There’s no one test to figure out if you have long COVID. Doctors usually look at your symptoms and your history. They might do blood work or other tests to rule out other problems, like heart disease, thyroid problems, or anemia. If you had COVID and still feel sick months later, your doctor might say you have long COVID once other causes have been ruled out.
There isn’t a single treatment that works for everyone. Instead, doctors try to manage the symptoms and help people feel better. For example, if you have trouble breathing, your doctor might suggest breathing exercises or even physical therapy. If you have fatigue, you might need to take breaks during the day or break up your chores into small chunks. If your thinking is foggy, writing things down, setting reminders, and keeping a daily routine can help.
If you’re able, gentle exercise might help your recovery. But be careful. If you try to do too much too soon, you might make your symptoms worse. Start with short walks and slowly build up your strength. Don’t push yourself on bad days. Instead, listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Doctors have also found that vaccines help. Studies show that people who got vaccinated were less likely to get long COVID. Even if they did get it, their symptoms were usually milder. So, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your boosters is still one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Some people are more at risk than others. If you had a severe case of COVID and were hospitalized, your chances of getting long COVID are higher. People over 40, women, those with asthma, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases are also more likely to be affected. And people with fewer resources—like those who can’t afford to rest or see a doctor—are more likely to suffer longer.
If you’ve had symptoms for more than three months after COVID, talk to your doctor. Keep a list of your symptoms and bring it with you to your appointment. Ask about treatments that can help. You might also ask if it would help to see a specialist—like a lung doctor, heart doctor, or physical therapist.
Long COVID can feel scary and lonely. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are dealing with the same thing. Support groups, both online and in-person, can help you feel less alone. Talking to others who understand can be a big comfort.
Most people do get better over time. Some recover in weeks, others in months. A few may still feel symptoms after a year or more, but even then, many say they’re starting to feel more like themselves again.
In the meantime, be gentle with yourself. Get plenty of rest. Drink water, eat well, and take breaks when you need them. Don’t try to “tough it out.” Healing takes time, and every step you take, no matter how small, is still progress. If you’re struggling, ask for help. And if you’re caring for someone with long COVID, remember to care for yourself too.
COVID-19 may be a new virus, but doctors are learning more about it every day. And just like with other illnesses, hope, support, and good care go a long way.