As new research emerges, we are learning more and more about the long-term effects of COVID-19, and the symptoms that continue to affect individuals day to day lives long after their diagnosis. Although many people get better within weeks of being diagnosed with COVID-19, some continue to experience symptoms months after first being infected, or may have new symptoms come up at a later time. This can happen to anyone who has been infected with COVID-19. This condition is commonly known as “Long COVID”
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fast-beating or pounding heart
- Neurological symptoms
- Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life, brain fog,
- Fever
- Respiratory and heart symptoms
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
- Pins-and-needles feelings
- Change in smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Digestive symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Other less common symptoms:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Rash
- Changes in menstrual cycles
Below are some resources on where to get help with Long COVID, and additional information on how to take care of yourself when experiencing Long COVID. Always consult your doctor if you are experiencing any long term symptoms of COVID.
Long term COVID care options in the front range (virtual option available): https://www.survivorcorps.com/pccc-co
CDC guide on Long COVID: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-nov%2Flong-term-effects.html
COVID Long Hauler Resources for the Western Slope of Colorado, Mind Springs Health: https://www.mindspringshealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Long-Hauler-Tip-Sheet.pdf
How ACL’s Disability and Aging Networks Can Help People with Long COVID Guide:
https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19/ACL_LongCOVID.pdf
How to prepare for a Doctor’s Appointment regarding your Post-COVID symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/post-covid-appointment/index.html
Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA:
