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.
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Ask a respiratory physician: What are the effects of long COVID?
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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
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The Princess Margaret Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
The Princess Margaret Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
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Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals
Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, Chelsea, London. SW3 6NP
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Syon Clinic - part of Circle Health Group
Syon Clinic - part of Circle Health Group
941 Great West Rd, Brentford TW8 9DU
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Osborne Rd, Windsor SL4 3SJ, WindsorExpert in:
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