Long COVID-19 (Post COVID Conditions)
What is long COVID?
New, returning, or ongoing symptoms and health problems
in the weeks or months after a COVID-19 illness.
While most people with COVID-19 recover in a
few days or weeks, some people may experience
these post-COVID conditions. How the virus
causes post-COVID conditions is still unclear,
but research is happening to understand
more. People with post-COVID
conditions are no longer infectious.
Who can develop long COVID?
- Adults
- Children
- People who had a mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 illness
Anyone can develop long COVID after having COVID-19.
How can I prevent long COVID?
The best way to avoid long COVID, is to avoid getting COVID in the first
place, like from vaccination and masking. There is also evidence that
vaccinated people who get COVID-19 are less likely to have post-COVID
conditions.
What are the treatment options?
There is no specific cure for long COVID, but there may be treatments
that can help you feel better. If you have symptoms of long COVID,
see a health care provider and check out important resources at cdph.ca.gov/longcovid.
Common symptoms
include, but are
not limited to, any
combination of:
- Trouble breathing
- Chronic pain
- Rash
- Cough
- Fast heartbeat
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Trouble focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Change in smell/taste
- Menstrual changes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Resources for People with Post-COVID Conditions
For resources related to health care providers, seeking additional post-COVID care, support at work and school, or support groups and mental health, see this information flyer - English / Spanish.