Most people who get COVID-19 recover within a few days to a few weeks. However, it’s possible to feel the effects for several months or years.
Long COVID, medically known as post-acute COVID syndrome, occurs when someone has ongoing symptoms or develops new symptoms after recovering from a COVID-19 infection.
“Long COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome involves a variety of symptoms that people experience more than four weeks after getting COVID-19,” said Regina Kaur, MD, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Primary Care in London. “Symptoms can be new or returning, and in some people it can last over several months.”
Long COVID-19 symptoms vary widely and may come and go. Some people have mild symptoms. Others have symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.
Common symptoms include:
Long COVID may increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). POTS affects the autonomic nervous system, which manages bodily functions that happen automatically.
There are no standard treatments for long COVID. If you get COVID-19, it’s not possible to entirely prevent long COVID. However, getting a COVID-19 vaccine can lower your risk.
“The best way to avoid long COVID complications is to prevent infection from coronavirus,” Dr. Kaur said. “Practicing hand hygiene and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are effective ways to avoid getting COVID-19.”
To learn more about long COVID, find a CHI Saint Joseph Health provider.
A version of this article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 print edition of Spirit of Health.
The Nurturing Children Program at Saint Joseph London launched a new program in Knox County elementary schools this year called Eddie Eagle GunSafe®, providing education to children ages 4-11 about what to do when encountering a firearm.
Read More Additional information about Program Teaches Safety Tips to Address Gun Violence
At Saint Joseph Hospital, patients at risk of falling aren’t alone, even when no one else is in the room. A virtual companion helps them stay safe.
Read More Additional information about Side by Side for Safety
Overexposure to the sun can result in skin cancer, age spots and other skin changes. While preventing skin cancer isn't always possible, you can take steps to protect your skin from UV radiation.
Read More Additional information about Shield Your Skin: Top Tips for Year-Round Sun Protection
Fill out the form below to receive monthly health news and information to your inbox.
Spirit of Health magazine's print edition is distributed quarterly and focuses on topics related to our CHI Saint Joseph Health purpose and values.
