Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Long COVID is not COVID-19. Symptoms can be quite different from those experienced during the initial infection. It refers to the longer-term effects some people experience 12 weeks lor longer after their COVID-19 infection.  

Long COVID can impact both adults and children and each person may have different symptoms. Symptoms can sometimes disappear and reappear without having another diagnosis to explain them. Some patients report that over-exertion (both mental and physical) may make the condition worse.    

The most common symptoms in adults include: 

  • fatigue 

  • memory problems 

  • sleep disturbances 

  • shortness of breath 

  • anxiety and depression 

  • general pain and discomfort 

  • difficulty thinking or concentrating 

  • posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

The most common symptoms in children include:  

  • fatigue 

  • shortness of breath 

  • lack of concentration, cognitive difficulties or delirium (confused or disoriented mental state) 

  • headaches 

  • abdominal pain 

  • muscle aches and pains or joint pains 

  • sleep problems 

Over 100 Long COVID symptoms have been identified. Many are included in this chart below: 

Breathing Pain  Muscles & Joints 

  • Shortness of breath - at rest or when moving 

  • Wheeze 

  • Cough, with or without blood 

  • Body aches 

  • Chest pain 

  • Headache 

  • Muscle & joint 

  • Muscle and join pain 

  • Weakness 

  • Tingling or numbness 
Fatigue Brain Mental Health

  • Extreme exhaustion 

  • Insomnia 

  • Sleep disturbances 

  • Brain fog – difficulty thinking or concentrating 

  • Memory troubles  

  • Brain zaps 

  • Anxiety 

  • Depression 

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder 

  • Not able to feel pleasure 

  • Anorexia 
Ear, Nose, Eyes, & Throat  Stomach & Digestion  Circulation 

  • Partial or full loss of smell 

  • Sneezing 

  • Difficulty swallowing 

  • Nasal congestion 

  • Phlegm 

  • Ear pain 

  • Red, itchy eyes 

  • Dry mouth 

  • Mouth ulcer 

  • Vomiting 

  • Nausea 

  • Weight loss 

  • Bloating 

  • Diarrhea 

  • Abdominal pain 

  • Constipation 

  • Gastritis 

  • Palpitations 

  • Leg swelling 

  • Orthostatic hypotension – low blood pressure when standing up causing dizziness 
Hair, Skin, & Nails  Reproductive Health  Others 

  • Hair loss 

  • Itchy skin 

  • Dry, scaly skin 

  • Rash 

  • Nail changes 

  • Ejaculation difficulty 

  • Reduced sex drive 

  • Erectile dysfunction 

  • Vaginal discharge 

  • Heavy and long menstruation (period) 

  • Dizziness 

  • Fever 

  • Urine retention (can’t pee) 

  • Urine incontinence (can’t hold pee) 

  • Frequent urination 

  • Allergies 

  • Hot flashes 

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – nerve damage that causes increased heart rate after standing up resulting in dizziness or weakness or fainting 

 

Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program

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Support Groups

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Lung Health Resources

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Medication Resources

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Lung Help Line

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