Understanding long COVID
While not common, some people can develop longer-term health problems caused by COVID-19. Some people may continue to have symptoms for weeks or months after their diagnosis. This is sometimes known as 'long COVID', or 'post COVID-19 condition'.
Studies are ongoing to understand why some people develop long COVID and others don’t.
What you need to know
Long COVID is sometimes also known as post-COVID condition. This is when symptoms of COVID-19 remain, or develop, long after your acute illness. These symptoms can last for weeks or sometimes months.
The most common symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, headaches, persistent cough, dizziness, shortness of breath, insomnia and brain fog. Some people with long COVID may experience low mood or anxiety.
People with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, lung disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, are more likely to develop long-term complications from a COVID-19 infection.
Long COVID can be diagnosed by a GP. They can do this by assessing the symptoms that a person is still experiencing after recovering from the acute illness.
To help manage long COVID, it’s important to adjust your life to avoid exhausting yourself. Save your energy and rest often. Some symptoms can be helped with treatment.
Got other COVID questions? Get COVID clarity
Use the COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker to find out if you need to seek medical help.
Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 at any time if you need advice.
Last reviewed: July 2022
