What is long COVID?

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. These conditions need to occur for four weeks or longer after a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis to be considered long COVID.

We are still learning about long COVID. It can feel really frustrating when troublesome symptoms last and there's little information out there. That's why we want to help you get through this period as smoothly as we can. 

For the latest information about long COVID, please visit the CDC website.

 

What are the symptoms?

Long COVID can involve a variety of physical and mental symptoms. Symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Sleep issues
  • Rash
  • Mood changes
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Stomach pain or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Pounding heart
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Pins-and-needles
  • Fever
  • Change in smell or taste
  • Changes in your period

If you are experiencing chest pain or are having trouble breathing, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

 

Get the medical care you need.

If you think you might have long COVID, know that you’re not alone. You can rely on your doctors to help you heal. Here’s how:

  • Enroll in our Post-COVID-19 Care program. Learn more about our Post-COVID-19 Care program to see if it sounds like a good fit for you. 
  • Keep a diary to track your symptoms. By collecting as much information as you can, you’ll become more knowledgeable about your symptoms and better able to communicate them to your doctor.
  • See your primary care doctor. They will evaluate your health and might refer you to a specialist, like a cardiologist or pulmonologist, or help you enroll in our Post-COVID-19 Care program. 
  • If you were hospitalized for COVID-19, schedule a follow-up visit. Consider scheduling a virtual visit so you can talk to your doctor from the comfort of your own home.
  • Take pandemic safety precautions like wearing a mask, getting the COVID-19 vaccine, washing your hands often, and social distancing.

 

Take care of yourself.

The best way to feel better is to give your body what it needs. Eat a nourishing diet and get enough rest so your body will have more energy to heal. Even if you’re feeling exhausted, make time for self-care.

  • Eat well. Make sure to get enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Exercise when you can. Even a 20-minute walk several times a week will benefit your health and help alleviate your stress.
  • Get enough sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. For the hour before bed, stick to a relaxing routine, like taking a bath and reading.

 

Manage your stress.

The pandemic has been a nerve-wracking time—especially for those of us who’ve had serious cases of COVID-19 or who’ve lost loved ones to the virus. If you were in a hospital intensive care unit, there’s a good chance you might be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re on edge, know that it’s completely normal. Try these strategies to help manage your anxiety:

  • Confide in a trusted friend, family member, or member of the clergy. If you feel that your anxiety is interfering with your life, consider talking to a mental health professional.
  • Each day, aim to do things that calm you. This could mean taking a walk, completing a crossword puzzle or listening to soothing music.
  • Breathe deeply, as often as you can. Draw out your exhalations.
  • Try herbal beverages instead of caffeinated coffee or tea. Consider mint tea, warm milk or fresh ginger root steeped in boiling water.
  • Cut down on your workload. Outsource tasks, like cutting the grass or house-cleaning. Hire babysitters or ask friends or family to help when you need rest.

 

Enroll in our Post-COVID-19 Care program.

Regaining a sense of wellness after long COVID will be a personal journey. We provide education, resources, and coordination of care to help you on the path towards post-COVID-19 wellness.

Our Post-COVID-19 Care program supports you with a customized care plan that will help you set and meet individual wellness goals. To be eligible for the program, you must meet the following conditions:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • History of a COVID-19 diagnosis with symptoms occurring for four weeks or longer after the confirmed diagnosis

Let us support your recovery and journey to wellness. Learn more about the Post-COVID-19 Care program.