Long COVID

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. 

 

Post-COVID conditions go by many names, including: long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC), long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID. 

 

This resource page will provide resources for people who may be experiencing long COVID, information about the prevention of long COVID, and guidance for healthcare providers about the assessment and management of post-COVID conditions. 

 

For Patients 

 

Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of ongoing health problems; these conditions can last weeks, months, or years. Your symptoms may be respiratory, heart-related, neurological, digestive, or more generalized. Visit the CDC’s page on long COVID for more complete information about risk factors and symptoms for post-COVID conditions. 

 

People with post-COVID conditions may develop or continue to have symptoms that are hard to explain and manage. This can make it difficult to get effective treatment. We recommend that you follow the tips provided by the CDC to prepare for an appointment with your healthcare provider. Going through these steps before your appointment can make all the difference in getting the proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. 

 

Prevention 

 

Research suggests that people who are vaccinated but experience a breakthrough infection are less likely to report post-COVID conditions, compared to people who are unvaccinated. The Caroline Health Department strongly recommends that all eligible individuals stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including any boosters that you are eligible to receive.  

 

For Healthcare Providers 

 

Based on current information, many post-COVID conditions can be managed by primary care providers, with the incorporation of patient-centered approaches to optimize the quality of life and function in affected patients. 

 

Healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with the in-depth information on post-COVID conditions provided by the CDC, including general clinical considerations, patient history and exam, assessment and testing, and management of long COVID.