Long COVID is a health problem that can happen after you’ve had COVID-19. Even if you only had mild symptoms at first, you might still get long COVID. It’s important to understand what long COVID is and how to get help if you think you have it.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID happens when you still have health problems more than 3 months after getting COVID-19. These problems can be new or ones you didn’t have before getting sick. They can affect different parts of your body and your daily life.
Long COVID happens when you still have health problems more than 3 months after getting COVID-19. These problems can be new or ones you didn’t have before getting sick. They can affect different parts of your body and your daily life.
Signs You Might Have Long COVID
Feeling very tired: You might feel exhausted all the time, even after resting.
Trouble thinking clearly: Some people call this “brain fog.” You might have a hard time remembering things or focusing.
Breathing problems: You might feel short of breath or have a cough that won’t go away.
Body aches: Your muscles or joints might hurt for no clear reason.
Heart issues: Your heart might beat fast or you might feel dizzy when you stand up.
Stomach problems: You might have bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Changes in smell or taste: Food might taste different or you might not be able to smell things like before.
Sleep problems: You might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Headaches: You might get headaches more often than usual.
If you have any of these problems for more than a few weeks after having COVID-19, you might have long COVID.
Feeling very tired: You might feel exhausted all the time, even after resting.
Trouble thinking clearly: Some people call this “brain fog.” You might have a hard time remembering things or focusing.
Breathing problems: You might feel short of breath or have a cough that won’t go away.
Body aches: Your muscles or joints might hurt for no clear reason.
Heart issues: Your heart might beat fast or you might feel dizzy when you stand up.
Stomach problems: You might have bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Changes in smell or taste: Food might taste different or you might not be able to smell things like before.
Sleep problems: You might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Headaches: You might get headaches more often than usual.
If you have any of these problems for more than a few weeks after having COVID-19, you might have long COVID.
What to Expect with Long COVID?
The good news is that many people with long COVID do get better over time. But it can take weeks, months, or even longer for some people. Everyone’s experience is different. Some people might have mild symptoms that don’t bother them too much. Others might have more serious problems that make it hard to do everyday things.
The good news is that many people with long COVID do get better over time. But it can take weeks, months, or even longer for some people. Everyone’s experience is different. Some people might have mild symptoms that don’t bother them too much. Others might have more serious problems that make it hard to do everyday things.
Getting Help for Long COVID
If you think you might have long COVID, it’s important to get help. Here’s what you can do:
If you think you might have long COVID, it’s important to get help. Here’s what you can do:
- Talk to a doctor: They can check your symptoms and help you find ways to feel better.
- Keep track of your symptoms: Write down how you feel each day. This can help your doctor understand what’s going on.
- Rest when you need to: Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s okay to take breaks and rest.
- Stay connected: Talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling. You’re not alone in this.
- Get vaccinated: If you haven’t already, getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent long COVID if you get sick again.
If you’re worried about long COVID, Valley Health is here to help. Our doctors and nurses know a lot about long COVID and can give you the care you need. They can:
- Check your symptoms
- Run tests if needed
- Help you manage your symptoms
- Connect you with other specialists if needed
