Long COVID (Post COVID-19 Conditions)
Long COVID, which is informally known by many different names, is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection lasts at least three months.Long COVID, which is informally known by many different names, is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection lasts at least three months. It is more common in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone, including children, can develop Long COVID after having COVID-19.
Learn About Long COVID
Long COVID is referred to by many names: post-COVID conditions, post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), chronic COVID or COVID-19 long-haulers. All of these terms refer to lingering health problems that some people experience after they get sick from COVID-19.
Key Facts
- Long COVID can include a wide range of ongoing symptoms and health problems, some of which can result in chronic conditions that may cause disability.
- COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to prevent Long COVID.
- Long COVID symptoms can be hard to explain and difficult to manage. They may improve, worsen or be ongoing for months or years.
Who Is at Risk for Long COVID?
Anyone who gets COVID-19 can develop Long COVID, but studies have shown that some groups of people are more likely than others to be impacted:
- People who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine
- People who were hospitalized for severe COVID-19 illness
- People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, obesity, or asthma
- Females
- Adults who are 65 or older
- Hispanic and Latino people
- People who are re-infected with COVID-19 multiple times
Understanding Long COVID Symptoms
A wide range of symptoms and health problems may impact multiple body systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin and nervous system. Over 200 Long COVID symptoms have been identified. Some that are frequently reported are fatigue, brain fog, and symptoms that worsen after physical or mental effort.
Symptoms can vary from person-to-person and may present in several different parts of your body:
Diagnosing Long COVID
Long COVID is a complex chronic condition that can be difficult to explain to others, and some people who have tried have felt misunderstood or that they were not taken seriously. It is important to find a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with discussing symptoms and any activity limitations you are experiencing. Healthcare providers are still learning about Long COVID, and you might need to attend more than one appointment with more than one provider to evaluate your symptoms thoroughly. There is no laboratory test to diagnose Long COVID. Symptoms experienced vary from person to person, making it challenging to rule out other health conditions that may be causing your symptoms. When your healthcare provider suspects you are experiencing Long COVID conditions, they will base the diagnosis on your health history, if you had a diagnosis of COVID-19 – a positive test, symptoms or exposure – and a health examination. Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend the following tests or procedures:
- SARS-CoV-2 viral test or antigen test or serologic antibody test to check for a current or previous infection
- Pulse oximetry especially if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms
- Orthostatic vital signs especially if you are feeling dizzy with a change in position
- Blood tests
- Chest x-rays
- An electrocardiogram
- Imaging to determine if there is any damage to organs
Treating and Managing Long COVID
If you are diagnosed with Long COVID, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine a personal management plan for the symptoms you are experiencing with a goal of reducing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Focus on the most bothersome symptoms first. It is important for you to understand your next steps of your management plan. Make sure you know what your provider has recommended to manage your symptoms, if you are supposed to complete any more lab tests, and when you should follow up with your provider. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider when they want to see you again if your symptoms remain the same.
It may be helpful to keep a journal to track your symptoms to determine if your treatment is helping to improve your symptoms, if they worsen or do not change. You can also record if you are having any side effects from any medications that you have been prescribed by your provider. This can be helpful information for you to bring to any follow-up appointments.
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if pulmonary rehabilitation is right for you. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise to help you better manage your condition.
Support Options
One of the most important parts of managing your illness is connecting with others in similar situations. The American Lung Association has support options for you and you can ask your healthcare team about other local groups in your area.
Online Support Communities
The American Lung Association has online communities on Inspire.com. Individuals register to join a community. Members can choose their level of participation and engagement.
- Living with Lung Disease. Members can discuss how COVID-19 is affecting them.
- Living with Long COVID. COVID-19 Long-Haulers and Post-COVID Support Community.
Better Breathers Club
Better Breathers Clubs offer in-person or virtual meetings led by trained facilitators that offer educational and supportive connections.
Patient & Caregiver Network
The Patient & Caregiver Network is a national gathering of patients and caregivers interested in receiving the latest information from the American Lung Association on lung diseases through webcasts, emails and other communication channels.
Page last updated: July 21, 2025
