Have you noticed your COVID symptoms haven’t gone away? AFC can help, just walk-in & you’ll receive prompt care for your symptoms.
For many people, COVID-19 symptoms clear up within a few days or weeks. However, for others, recovery can take much longer. If you’ve had COVID and still don’t feel back to normal months later, you’re not alone – and you’re not making it up. Even a relaxing morning at TBH Skincare Spa or lunch at Cactus Rose leaves you feeling lightheaded, anxious and severely fatigued.
Yes, COVID symptoms can linger even after your initial case of COVID. This condition is commonly referred to as long COVID, long-haul COVID or post-COVID syndrome. While these terms may sound different, they all describe the same issue: ongoing health problems linked to a previous COVID infection.
Understanding what long COVID is, what symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical care can help you better manage your health and recovery.
What Is Long COVID?
Although there is no single, universal definition of post-COVID syndrome, in the U.S. it is often described as “a long-lasting, or chronic, condition triggered by the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Long COVID may involve symptoms that began during your initial COVID illness and never fully resolved. In other cases, it refers to new or ongoing medical conditions that are linked to COVID and last three months or longer after your first symptoms appeared.
Long COVID can affect people regardless of how severe their initial illness was. Even those who experienced mild symptoms or never required hospitalization can develop lingering effects. The symptoms may resemble autoimmune, lung, heart, neurological or psychological conditions, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complex.
What Are the Signs of Post-COVID Syndrome?
Post-COVID syndrome can look different for everyone. Some symptoms are mild and manageable, while others are severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Symptoms may come and go, shift over time or gradually worsen. Many patients describe feeling like they never fully recovered from their original COVID infection.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue that disrupts daily activities.
- Memory or concentration problems (often called “brain fog”).
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Ongoing changes in taste or smell.
Other symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath or persistent coughing
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Depression or anxiety
- Digestive issues
- Joint or muscle pain
- Changes in menstrual cycle
In some cases, post-COVID syndrome may contribute to other conditions or worsen existing ones, such as migraines or autoimmune diseases. Some individuals may also be diagnosed with conditions linked to long-haul COVID, including heart disease, lung disease, mood disorders, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis–Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME-CFS).
Why Do Some COVID Symptoms Linger?
At this time, medical researchers have not identified a single cause of long-haul COVID. What is known is that COVID can trigger chronic conditions in certain individuals, a phenomenon known as an infection-associated chronic condition.
According to the Mayo Clinic, several theories may help explain lingering symptoms, including:
- Disrupted immune system communication that leads to autoimmune reactions.
- Reactivation of viruses that were previously dormant in the body.
- Changes to the gut’s natural balance.
- Damage to the brain stem or the vagus nerve, which controls many automatic bodily functions.
Ongoing research continues to shed light on why these symptoms occur and why they affect some people more than others.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
You should consider seeking medical attention if:
- Your symptoms consistently interfere with your daily routine.
- Symptoms persist for three months or longer after your initial COVID infection.
While long-haul COVID is typically diagnosed after symptoms have lasted at least three months, you don’t have to wait if something feels off or symptoms are worsening.
Can AFC Urgent Care Help?
Currently, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose post-COVID syndrome. Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your symptoms and health history.
At AFC Indian Trail, our providers can perform a range of diagnostic tests on-site to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, including:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
These results help guide next steps in care, which may include treatment recommendations or referrals to specialists for further evaluation.
Managing Long COVID
Research into long COVID is ongoing, and treatment plans are still evolving. Because symptoms and causes vary so widely, there is no universal treatment that works for everyone. Finding the right approach may take time, patience and ongoing medical support.
If lingering COVID symptoms are affecting your quality of life, AFC Indian Trail is here to help. Our team is committed to listening, evaluating your symptoms and guiding you toward the care and resources you need as you continue your recovery.
