Long COVID
Long COVID is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and lasts at least three months.
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.
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 continue for months or years.
- It is more common in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone, including children, can develop Long COVID after having COVID-19. Studies have shown that some populations 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
- Women
- Adults who are 65 or older
- Hispanic and Latino populations
- 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
Healthcare providers are still learning about Long COVID, and you might need to attend multiple appointments to have your symptoms evaluated thoroughly. There is no laboratory test to diagnose Long COVID. Symptoms vary, 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 base the diagnosis on your health history, if you previously had COVID-19 and a health examination. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend the following tests or procedures:
- SARS-CoV-2 viral test, 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 create a management plan for your symptoms, with a goal of reducing them and improving your quality of life. Make sure you know what your provider has recommended to manage your symptoms and if you require any lab tests. Be sure to ask when they want to see you again, including if your symptoms remain the same or worsen.
It may be helpful to keep a journal of your symptoms to determine if your treatment is helping. You can also record if you are having side effects from any medications that you have been prescribed. This can be helpful information for you to bring to 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. You can register to join a community and participate at whatever level is comfortable for you.
- Living with Lung Disease - Support group for anyone living with a lung disease or lung infection
- 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 nationwide, online support program providing direct access to lung disease management tools, education and connection to other patients and caregivers.
Page last updated: September 3, 2026
