LAB TEST
Long COVID
Most people who have COVID-19 recover completely. Some people continue to have health problems after having COVID-19. This is called long COVID. Long COVID can happen in people who had mild to severe disease or no symptoms at all during an active COVID-19 infection. Long COVID most often affects adults. It can also occur in children, although less often. Other names for long COVID include: long-haul COVID, chronic COVID, post-COVID conditions (PCC), and post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Causes
Health experts are not sure exactly what causes long COVID. Some theories include: SARS-CoV-2 virus particles become active again in the body after the initial illness or one or more of the person’s organs is taking longer to recover than the rest The immune system becomes overactive, causing inflammation in the body…
Symptoms
A person who has symptoms that persist for 4 or more weeks after a case of COVID-19 is said to have long COVID. Long COVID does not affect every person the same way. The symptoms may: Continue after your initial illness Begin later after you recover Go away and then come back Improve or get worse with time Be some of…
Exams and Tests
There are no specific tests for long COVID. Your health care provider may diagnose you with long COVID based on: Your symptoms A physical exam Your health history, including whether you had COVID-19 before Complete blood count (CBC) Complete metabolic panel Urinalysis Liver function tests C-reactive protein…
Treatment
There is no specific cure for long COVID. Treatment will depend on your symptoms and may include: A progressive exercise program Physical therapy Occupational therapy Speech and language therapy Neurological rehabilitation (for cognitive symptoms) Pulmonary rehabilitation Mental health care Medicines to help manage…
Support Groups
More information and support for people with long COVID and their families can be found at: Long COVID Kids -- www.longcovidkids.org/support-services
Outlook (Prognosis)
COVID-19 is a new disease, so no one knows exactly what the outlook will be for people with post-COVID symptoms. Most people who have symptoms at 4 weeks after a COVID-19 infection will gradually improve. Research is ongoing into how to help people with long COVID overcome the condition.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
You should contact your provider if you had COVID-19 and you have ongoing symptoms for 4 weeks or more, or the same or new symptoms return 4 or more weeks after your illness. Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have: Trouble breathing Chest pain or pressure Confusion or inability to wake up Blue or gray lips…
Prevention
The only way to prevent long COVID is to protect yourself from COVID-19 infection . Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine . Avoid contact with people who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. Get yourself tested if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or come in contact with someone with COVID-19.
References
Berger Z, Altiery DE Jesus V, Assoumou SA, Greenhalgh T. Long COVID and health inequities: the role of primary care. Milbank Q. 2021;99(2):519-541. Epub 2021 Mar 30. PMID: 33783907; PMCID: PMC8241274. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33783907/ . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Clinical overview of long…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 22/02/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.