Don’t wait it out. When you need relief from your persistent COVID symptoms, stop by our clinic. We’re open daily & accept most insurance!
Recovering from COVID-19 doesn’t always end when your initial infection clears. While many people feel better within a few weeks, others continue to experience symptoms long after they expected to recover. If you’re still dealing with unexplained fatigue even after a laid-back tour of the Caldwell Heritage Museum, shortness of breath while browsing Lenoir Service League Thrift Shop, brain fog, or other ongoing symptoms, you may be experiencing what’s commonly known as long COVID.
Lingering symptoms after COVID are often referred to as long COVID, long-haul COVID or post-COVID syndrome. Although the names differ, they all describe ongoing or recurring health issues linked to a previous COVID infection. At AFC, our goal is to help patients understand these symptoms and determine the right next steps for care.
What Is Long COVID?
In the U.S., long COVID is often described as a chronic condition triggered by the virus that causes COVID. It may involve symptoms that began during your initial illness and never fully resolved, or new symptoms that appear weeks or months later. Health care providers typically consider symptoms that last three months or longer after the onset of COVID as part of post-COVID syndrome. Long COVID can affect people who had mild cases just as much as those who were severely ill or hospitalized.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
Long-haul COVID can affect nearly every system in the body, and symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some symptoms are mild and manageable, while others can interfere with daily life.
Common symptoms include:
- Ongoing fatigue that affects work or daily activities.
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems (“brain fog”).
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Changes in taste or smell.
Other 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 patients with long-haul COVID develop other conditions that were caused or worsened by COVID, such as migraines or autoimmune diseases. Others may later 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 COVID-19 Symptoms Linger?
Medical experts are still working to understand why COVID leads to lingering symptoms in some people. What is known is that COVID can trigger infection-associated chronic conditions.
According to the Mayo Clinic, leading theories include:
- Disrupted immune system communication that leads to autoimmune responses.
- Reactivation of viruses already present in the body.
- Changes in the gut’s natural balance.
- Damage to the brain stem or the vagus nerve, which controls many automatic bodily functions.
Research continues as experts learn more about how post-COVID syndrome affects the body.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
You should consider medical evaluation if:
- Symptoms consistently interfere with your daily routine.
- You feel like you never fully recovered from COVID-19.
- Symptoms persist for three months or longer.
- New or worsening symptoms appear over time.
Because there is no single test to diagnose long COVID, some patients experience delays in diagnosis or feel their symptoms are dismissed. Seeking care can help rule out other conditions and guide appropriate treatment.
Can AFC Urgent Care Help?
Currently, no test can definitively diagnose post-COVID syndrome. Evaluation begins with listening to your symptoms, medical history and concerns.
At AFC Lenoir, providers can perform a variety of in-house diagnostic tests, including:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
These results help determine the next steps in care, including treatment recommendations or referrals to specialists if needed.
Living with Long COVID
Long COVID is complex, and treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Symptoms may last weeks, months or even longer, and managing them often takes time and patience. Research continues to improve understanding and treatment options.
If lingering COVID-19 symptoms are affecting your quality of life, our clinic is here to help you take the next step toward answers, evaluation and support. Get local and high-quality medical care right here in your community. AFC Lenoir has extended weekday and weekend hours, ensuring you can get care when you need it most. Walk into our office today, or save your spot in line by pre-registering. We accept most insurance plans and offer alternative self-pay options.
