Long COVID

Long COVID: when symptoms do not end with the acute infection

Reviewed Aug 27, 2026 · 1 min read

Long COVID can affect different body systems and symptoms may fluctuate. Assessment should also consider other possible causes.

What it means

Post-COVID-19 condition describes symptoms that persist or emerge after infection and cannot be readily explained by another diagnosis. It does not look the same in every person.

Possible symptoms

Fatigue, worsening after exertion, breathlessness, palpitations, sleep disturbance, headache, concentration difficulties, altered smell or taste and pain can occur.

Assessment and recovery

Seek assessment when symptoms disrupt daily life, do not improve or new symptoms appear. Recovery plans should be individual; rapid increases in activity may not suit people who worsen after exertion.

Sources

  1. WHO Post COVID-19 condition fact sheet

This content is general information, not a diagnosis or individual medical advice. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.