AFC Urgent Care’s guide to this relatively unknown condition. We offer same-day evaluations for long COVID & a range of other illnesses. 

Most people expect to feel better within a few weeks after a COVID-19 infection. So, you hit up Inskip Grill – a classic Fountain City restaurant or Cocina y Tienda Mexicana in neighboring Powell. But nothing seems to taste the same and everything you do still leaves you feeling severely exhausted. While a majority of people quickly get over COVID, others find that their recovery doesn’t follow a clear timeline. Weeks or even months later, symptoms may linger, or new ones may appear. 

This ongoing condition is commonly known as long COVID, long-haul COVID or post-COVID syndrome. Although these names differ, they all describe the same reality: persistent or recurring health issues following a COVID infection. As research continues, awareness and understanding of long COVID are improving. Knowing what it is, how it can affect the body, and when to seek medical care can help patients feel more informed and supported during recovery. 

Visit AFC Fountain City today! 

What Is Long COVID? 

In the United States, long COVID is often described as a chronic condition triggered by the virus that causes COVID-19. It may include symptoms that began during the initial illness and never fully went away, or new symptoms and conditions that develop after the infection has resolved. 

Long COVID can refer to symptoms or medical conditions that last three months or longer after the first COVID symptoms appear. Many health care professionals use this three-month mark as a guideline. These issues can affect people who had mild cases of COVID just as much as those who were severely ill or hospitalized. 

How Long Can Long COVID Last? 

One of the most challenging aspects of long COVID is its unpredictability. Symptoms or conditions can last weeks, months or even years. For some people, symptoms gradually improve. For others, they may emerge, persist, resolve and then reemerge over time. 

Long COVID does not affect everyone the same way. Some individuals experience manageable symptoms, while others face significant limitations in daily functioning. In some cases, long-haul COVID can result in temporary or long-term disability, affecting a person’s ability to work, exercise or maintain their usual routine. 

Common Signs of Long COVID 

Long COVID can involve a wide range of symptoms, which may vary in severity and duration. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include: 

• Ongoing fatigue that interferes with daily life. 
• Memory or concentration problems, often referred to as “brain fog.” 
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded. 
• Persistent changes in taste or smell. 

Additional symptoms may include: 

• Shortness of breath or lingering cough 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Headaches 
• Depression or anxiety 
• Digestive issues 
• Joint or muscle pain 
• Changes in menstrual cycle 

Some people with long COVID develop other health conditions that were triggered or worsened by COVID, such as migraines or autoimmune disorders. Others may be diagnosed with conditions linked to long COVID, including heart disease, lung disease, mood disorders, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis–Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME-CFS). 

Why Does Long COVID Happen? 

At this time, there is no single explanation for why some people develop long COVID while others recover quickly. What researchers do know is that COVID can trigger infection-associated chronic conditions in certain individuals. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, current theories include: 

• Disrupted immune system signaling that leads to autoimmune responses. 
• Reactivation of viruses that were previously dormant in the body. 
• Changes to the gut’s natural balance. 
• Damage to communication pathways involving the brain stem or the vagus nerve (which controls many automatic bodily functions). 

Ongoing research continues to explore these possibilities in hopes of improving diagnosis and treatment. 

Finding Care with AFC 

A lack of information and a definitive diagnostic test for long COVID have created challenges for many patients. Some individuals experience delayed diagnosis, difficulty accessing care or even dismissal of their symptoms by health care professionals, family members or employers. 

Therefore, care at AFC Fountain City begins with listening carefully to a patient’s symptoms, medical history and how their health has changed since having COVID. 

Our providers can perform a range of in-house diagnostic tests, including: 

• Blood tests 
• Chest X-rays 
• Electrocardiograms (EKGs) 

These tests help guide next steps in care and determine whether additional evaluation or specialist referrals are needed. 

Don’t Let Long COVID Interrupt Your Life 

Long COVID is a complex condition, and treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It’s easy to feel frustrated or unheard. Finding the most effective way to manage your symptoms may take time and patience. Increased education, ongoing research and new insights into long COVID continue to improve patient care.  

If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms after COVID-19, AFC Fountain City is here to help you take the next step toward clarity, support and care. Our clinic is open seven days a week, with no appointments needed. Walk-ins are welcome or pre-register to save your spot in line.