Key points:
- Long COVID typically appears, on average, two to three months after having COVID-19.
- Because it’s such a recently identified condition, the characteristics of Long COVID haven’t been fully defined yet, as they depend on the infected person’s overall health and the severity of their COVID-19 case.
- Having an inflammatory response in different organs during a SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major risk factor for developing Long COVID.
COVID-19 continues to be a highly contagious disease that primarily affects the respiratory system, but it can also impact other systems in the body. Although most people recover within a couple of weeks, the scientific community has found that, over time, around 10% of all infected individuals continue to have persistent symptoms after 12 weeks.
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID or prolonged COVID syndrome, is a recent public health concern that still can’t be fully defined, but that affects the quality of life of those who experience it. People who develop Long COVID typically show symptoms an average of two to three months after their SARS-CoV-2 infection, and these symptoms can last another two months or longer without another diagnosis being able to explain them.
Another characteristic of Long COVID is that, after the acute phase of the illness resolves, symptoms can return following a period of recovery from the initial COVID-19 episode, though in some cases, they may also persist continuously from the start.
Some of the most common symptoms of Long COVID include:
- Changes in taste
- Changes in smell
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Heart palpitations
- Rash
- Cough
Risk Factors for Long COVIDAlthough this syndrome was only recently identified, some risk factors have already been found to make Long COVID more likely to develop:
- Having an inflammatory response in different organs during the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Having had a severe case of COVID-19.
- Not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Living with a comorbidity such as lung disease, heart conditions, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or a weakened immune system.
Given the nature of Long COVID and the wide variety of symptoms it can cause, it’s recommended that you see your doctor so you can be properly monitored if it turns out to be Long COVID, or so the actual cause of your symptoms can be identified and treated correctly.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
