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COVID-19 (coronavirus): Long-term effects<\/h2>\n

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COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes persist for months. The virus can damage the lungs, heart and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems.<\/p>\n

<\/em>By Mayo Clinic Staff <\/p>\n

Most people who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover completely within a few weeks. But some people \u2014 even those who had mild versions of the disease \u2014 continue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery.<\/p>\n

These people sometimes describe themselves as “long haulers” and the conditions have been called post-COVID-19 syndrome or “long COVID-19.” These health issues are sometimes called post-COVID-19 conditions. They’re generally considered to be effects of COVID-19 that persist for more than four weeks after you’ve been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.<\/p>\n

Older people and people with many serious medical conditions are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms, but even young, otherwise healthy people can feel unwell for weeks to months after infection. Common signs and symptoms that linger over time include:<\/p>\n

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• Fatigue<\/li>\n
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing<\/li>\n
• Cough<\/li>\n
• Joint pain<\/li>\n
• Chest pain<\/li>\n
• Memory, concentration or sleep problems<\/li>\n
• Muscle pain or headache<\/li>\n
• Fast or pounding heartbeat<\/li>\n
• Loss of smell or taste<\/li>\n
• Depression or anxiety<\/li>\n
• Fever<\/li>\n
• Dizziness when you stand<\/li>\n
• Worsened symptoms after physical or mental activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n