Following a COVID-19 infection, regardless of its severity, some individuals experience symptoms that persist for months. This condition is commonly referred to as long COVID, post-COVID-19 syndrome, long-haul COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID encompasses a range of symptoms that last for three months or more after the initial onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Currently, there is no universally accepted definition for long COVID.
It is estimated that approximately 5% to 10% of people who have had COVID-19 may develop post-COVID conditions.
Symptoms of Long COVID:
Long COVID is not defined by a specific set of symptoms but rather by any health issue linked to a prior COVID-19 infection that persists for three months or longer. It can occur in individuals who had mild or severe cases of COVID-19. Symptoms may resemble autoimmune, lung, heart, neurological, or psychological disorders.
Common symptoms include
- Extreme fatigue, particularly after physical or mental activity.
- Memory issues, often referred to as “brain fog.”
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Persistent problems with taste or smell.
Other symptoms may involve
- Sleep disturbances.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chronic cough.
- Headaches.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Digestive issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.
- Fibromyalgia.
- New or worsening diabetes.
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
- Stroke or blood clots.
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Risk Factors:
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing long COVID, including:
- Having had a severe case of COVID-19, particularly if hospitalization was required.
- Experiencing multisystem inflammatory syndrome during or after COVID-19.
- Pre-existing health conditions such as lung disease, obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
