What is long COVID?
Long COVID is the medical term given to the continuation of symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus, that persist for 12 weeks or more. This can otherwise be known as post-COVID syndrome.
What are the main symptoms of long COVID?
It has been medically proven that symptoms of long COVID include:
- tiredness/fatigue
- shortness of breath
- loss of smell and/or taste
- concentration and/or memory problems
- difficulty sleeping
- joint pain
- heart palpitations
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- high temperature
- cough
- sore throat
- appearance of rashes
- dizziness
- pins and needles
The list of symptoms associated with long COVID continues to grow, as the condition is studied more closely.
When should someone see a doctor in relation to long COVID symptoms?
If a patient notices that they are still suffering from or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 four weeks or more after first contracting the virus, they should certainly see a doctor with regards to these symptoms, to discuss and review the severity and regularity of any associated long COVID symptoms.
Do severe COVID-19 symptoms influence a person's chances of suffering from long COVID?
Fascinatingly, there have been studies that have shown that patients who experience long COVID symptoms may not have necessarily suffered from severe COVID-19 symptoms when they were first confirmed to have COVID-19. In other words, suffering from long COVID (persisting, long-lasting) symptoms is not linked with the severity of the initial COVID-19.
08-23-2021 09-17-2024Long Covid
Dr Arti Mahto - Rheumatology
Created on: 08-23-2021
Updated on: 09-17-2024
Edited by: Sophie Kennedy
What is long COVID?
Long COVID is the medical term given to the continuation of symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus, that persist for 12 weeks or more. This can otherwise be known as post-COVID syndrome.
What are the main symptoms of long COVID?
It has been medically proven that symptoms of long COVID include:
- tiredness/fatigue
- shortness of breath
- loss of smell and/or taste
- concentration and/or memory problems
- difficulty sleeping
- joint pain
- heart palpitations
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- high temperature
- cough
- sore throat
- appearance of rashes
- dizziness
- pins and needles
The list of symptoms associated with long COVID continues to grow, as the condition is studied more closely.
When should someone see a doctor in relation to long COVID symptoms?
If a patient notices that they are still suffering from or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 four weeks or more after first contracting the virus, they should certainly see a doctor with regards to these symptoms, to discuss and review the severity and regularity of any associated long COVID symptoms.
Do severe COVID-19 symptoms influence a person's chances of suffering from long COVID?
Fascinatingly, there have been studies that have shown that patients who experience long COVID symptoms may not have necessarily suffered from severe COVID-19 symptoms when they were first confirmed to have COVID-19. In other words, suffering from long COVID (persisting, long-lasting) symptoms is not linked with the severity of the initial COVID-19.
Monoclonal antibodies and long Covid: an expert overview
By Dr Elisa Astorri
2025-01-21
In one of our latest medical articles, Dr Elisa Astorri, a highly regarded consultant rheumatologist, discusses the relationship between long Covid and monoclonal antibodies in expert detail. See more
Post-viral fatigue and COVID-19
By Dr Gerald Coakley
2025-01-21
Among survivors of COVID-19, severe post-viral fatigue symptoms are being reported. Dr Gerard Coakley provides insight into what we know about the biology of post-COVID-19 fatigue, how to manage it and how to get back to regular energy levels. See more
Long COVID and the heart: what treatments are available?
By Dr Simon Pearse
2025-01-21
In his latest article, renowned consultant cardiologist Dr Simon Pearse explains how long COVID can affect the heart. He details the different symptoms and some of the possible treatments available. See more
Ask a respiratory physician: What are the effects of long COVID?
By Dr Amit Patel
2025-01-18
Most people who have COVID-19 will make a full recovery within three months of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Other people’s symptoms, however, will persist beyond that and could be termed long COVID. Here, Dr Amit Patel, leading Consultant Respiratory physician, provides an expert insight into long COVID, including symptoms, impact and treatment. See more
Experts in Long Covid
-
Dr Sundeep Kaul
Pulmonology & respiratory medicineExpert in:
- Asthma
- Bronchoscopy
- Chronic cough
- Lung cancer
- Shortness of breath
- Long Covid
-
Professor Robin Choudhury
CardiologyExpert in:
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Cardiac risk
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart attack
- Long Covid
-
Dr Ayyaz Sultan
CardiologyExpert in:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Palpitations
- PoTS syndrome
- Ambulatory ECG monitoring
- Tilt table
- Long Covid
-
Dr Ana de Ramon
Pulmonology & respiratory medicineExpert in:
- Breathing problems
- Lung cancer
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cough
- Long Covid
-
Dr Teresa Castiello
CardiologyExpert in:
- Inherited cardiac conditions
- Myocarditis
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Preventive cardiology
- Long Covid
- See all
The Runnymede Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
The Runnymede Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Guildford Street, Ottershaw, Lyne, Chertsey KT16 0RQ
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
Werndale Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Werndale Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Bancyfelin, Carmarthen SA33 5NT
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
New Victoria Hospital
New Victoria Hospital
184 Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
The Runnymede Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Guildford Street, Ottershaw, Lyne, Chertsey KT16 0RQ, ChertseyExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Hand surgery
- General Surgery
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
-
Werndale Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Bancyfelin, Carmarthen SA33 5NT, BancyfelinExpert in:
- General Surgery
- Neurological spinal surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Plastic surgery, reconstructive and aesthetics
- Diagnostic Imaging
- endoscopy
-
New Victoria Hospital
184 Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG, South LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Pain management
- Spine
- See all
- Most viewed diseases, medical tests, and treatments
- Menopause support
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cluster headaches
- Tension headache
- Chronic headache
- Electrophysiology study
- Visual impairment
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retina
- Visual stress (Meares-Irlen syndrome)