Long Covid Symptoms 2023: How Long Does It Last?

Long COVID Symptoms still continue to affect millions of people around the world even years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Long COVID occurs more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience it. People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and become infected may have a higher risk of developing Long COVID compared to people who have been vaccinated. People can be reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, multiple times.

What is Long Covid

Long Covid, also known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) or Post-Covid conditions, is a condition characterized by a wide range of long covid symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after recovering from the initial SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. Other researchers may use different criteria or terms, such as post-acute COVID-19, chronic COVID-19, or long-haul COVID, to describe the long-term effects of COVID-19.

The CDC and other health authorities also have provided some general guidelines on how to define and measure the duration of Long COVID. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines Long Covid as “the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that Long Covid includes a wide range of ongoing health problems that can last weeks, months, or years. While the exact cause of long COVID remains under investigation, it is estimated to affect millions of people worldwide.

However, these definitions are not fixed or universally accepted, and they may change as more evidence and data become available.

Long Covid Symptoms 2023 How Long Does It Last?

Long Covid Symptoms 2023: How Long Does It Last? is a question that many people are asking, as the pandemic continues to affect millions of people around the world. The duration of long COVID is not predictable, and it may vary from person to person. Some people may recover from long COVID within a few weeks or months, some may have long-lasting or permanent effects from their infection, while others can sometimes result in disability. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, non-hospitalized patients with long COVID may experience various symptoms and compromised quality of life 11 to 18 months after the initial infection, with an average of about 14.8 months. Another study, published in the journal Nature Medicine found that approximately 16% of adults with COVID-19 experience symptoms for at least one year.

Long COVID may not affect everyone the same way, and some people may have more symptoms or more severe symptoms than others. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about your symptoms or condition after COVID-19 infection. Your healthcare provider can help you monitor your health, manage your symptoms, and refer you to appropriate specialists or resources if needed.

Latest Facts on Long Covid Symptoms 2023

• According to a recent study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, non-hospitalized patients with Long Covid may experience various symptoms and compromised quality of life 11 to 18 months after the initial infection, with an average of about 14.8 months. The symptoms can be debilitating and include chronic pain, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and intense fatigue. Severe cases of Long Covid can even affect the body’s organs.

• Research has offered some insights but not enough to provide a solid understanding of how Long Covid progresses in the body. That knowledge will be essential to developing treatments. “There is no one pill or strategy that helps everybody,” says neurologist Lindsay McAlpine, MD, director of the Yale NeuroCovid Clinic and one of many Yale Medicine specialists who care for Long Covid patients. But there is a growing understanding that people experience the condition in different ways, leading to an individualized approach to treating their symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Long COVID?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long COVID can include more than 200 different symptoms that affect various body systems. Some of the most common symptoms of long COVID are:

• Fatigue: This is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of long COVID. Fatigue can be caused by several factors, such as chronic inflammation, organ damage, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, or psychological stress.
• Shortness of breath: Having difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air can be a sign of lung damage or scarring, which can reduce the lung capacity and oxygen exchange. It can also be a result of heart problems, such as chest pain or palpitations, which can affect the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body.
• Chest pain: Feeling pain or discomfort in the chest area can be a symptom of heart damage or inflammation, which can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. It can also be a sign of pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that blocks the artery in the lung and can be life-threatening.
• Cough: Persistent or recurrent cough that produces mucus or blood can be a symptom of lung infection or inflammation, which can cause irritation and damage to the airways. It can also be a sign of asthma or allergies, which can trigger an immune response and inflammation in the lungs.
• Headache: Pain or pressure in the head or neck area can be a symptom of brain inflammation or damage, which can affect the nerve cells and blood vessels. It can also be a result of dehydration, stress, or sleep problems, which can affect the brain function and mood.
• Brain fog: Difficulty thinking clearly or remembering things can be a symptom of neurological damage or dysfunction, which can impair the cognitive abilities and mental performance. It can also be a result of low oxygen levels, hormonal imbalance, or psychological distress, which can affect the brain chemistry and mood.
• Difficulty concentrating: Having trouble focusing or paying attention to tasks or information can be a symptom of brain fog, which can affect the cognitive abilities and mental performance. It can also be a result of fatigue, stress, or anxiety, which can affect the motivation and attention span.
• Memory loss: Having trouble remembering or recalling things that happened recently or in the past. Memory loss can be a symptom of brain damage or dysfunction, which can affect the memory formation and retrieval. It can also be a result of brain fog, stress, or depression, which can affect the memory consolidation and recall.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady can be a symptom of low blood pressure, which can affect the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. It can also be a sign of ear infection or damage, which can affect the balance and coordination.
• Loss of smell or taste: Reduced or no ability to smell or taste things. Loss of smell or taste can be a symptom of nerve damage or inflammation, which can affect the sensory receptors and signals. It can also be a result of nasal congestion or infection, which can affect the airflow and mucus production.
• Heart palpitations: Feeling your heart beating faster or harder than usual can be a symptom of heart damage or inflammation, which can affect the heart rhythm and function. It can also be a result of anxiety, stress, or caffeine, which can affect the heart rate and blood pressure.
• Muscle or joint pain: Pain or stiffness in the muscles or joints can be a symptom of muscle damage or inflammation, which can affect the muscle strength and movement. It can also be a sign of arthritis or fibromyalgia, which can cause chronic pain and inflammation in the joints and tissues.
• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness can be a symptom of brain damage or dysfunction, which can affect the mood and emotions. It can also be a result of psychological trauma, stress, or isolation, which can affect the self-esteem and social support.
• Anxiety: Being nervous, worried, or fearful can be a symptom of brain damage or dysfunction, which can affect the anxiety and stress response. It can also be a result of psychological trauma, stress, or uncertainty, which can affect the coping and problem-solving skills.
• Insomnia: Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be a symptom of brain damage or dysfunction, which can affect the sleep cycle and quality. It can also be a result of pain, stress, or anxiety, which can affect the relaxation and comfort.
• Fever: A higher than normal body temperature can be a symptom of infection or inflammation, which can indicate that the immune system is fighting the virus or other pathogens. It can also be a sign of dehydration, which can affect the body’s ability to regulate the temperature.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Problems with the digestive system, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea can be a symptom of intestinal damage or inflammation, which can affect the absorption and digestion of food and nutrients. It can also be a result of food intolerance, medication, or stress, which can affect the bowel movement and function.

The symptoms of long COVID can vary from person to person, and can change or reappear over time. Some people may experience only one or a few symptoms, while others may have multiple symptoms that interfere with their daily activities and quality of life.

What Causes Long COVID?

The exact causes of long COVID are not fully understood, but there are several possible explanations. Each time a person is infected or reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, they have a risk of developing Long COVID. While most people with Long COVID have evidence of infection or COVID-19 illness, in some cases, a person with Long COVID may not have tested positive for the virus or known they were infected. CDC and partners are working to understand more about who experiences Long COVID and why, including whether groups disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 are at higher risk. In July 2021, Long COVID was added as a recognized condition that could result in a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Some of the potential causes of long COVID are:

• Severity of initial COVID-19 infection: Individuals with more severe initial COVID-19 infections are more likely to experience long COVID.
• Persistent infection: Some researchers suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 may remain in the body for a long time, causing chronic inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues.
• Immune system dysregulation: Another possibility is that the immune system may become overactive or dysfunctional after fighting the virus, leading to autoimmune reactions and inflammation that affect different parts of the body.
• Post-viral syndrome: Some experts believe that long COVID may be a type of post-viral syndrome, which is a condition that occurs after a viral infection and causes prolonged fatigue and other symptoms. Post-viral syndrome has been observed after other viral infections, such as mononucleosis, influenza, and SARS.
• Underlying health conditions: Some people may have underlying health conditions or risk factors that make them more susceptible to developing long COVID, such as age, gender, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or mental health disorders.

How Is Long COVID Diagnosed?

There is no specific test that can diagnose long COVID. The diagnosis of long COVID is based on the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests of the patient. The CDC defines long COVID as a range of new or ongoing symptoms that people can experience four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) labels post-COVID condition as a condition that is usually diagnosed after three months from the start of COVID-19, lasts for at least two months, and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.

Long COVID Treatment

While there is no specific treatment or cure for long COVID, there are several strategies that may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment of long COVID is based on the symptoms and needs of each individual patient.

Some of the possible treatments for long COVID are:

• Symptomatic management: This involves using medications or therapies to relieve or reduce the symptoms of long COVID, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines, bronchodilators, or oxygen therapy.
• Cognitive rehabilitation: Cognitive rehabilitation programs can help address cognitive impairments such as brain fog and memory problems. This involves using physical, occupational, or speech therapy to help restore or improve the function and mobility of the affected body parts, such as the lungs, heart, muscles, joints, or brain.
• Lifestyle modification: This involves making changes to the diet, exercise, sleep, stress, or smoking habits to improve the overall health and well-being of the patient, and to prevent or manage any complications or comorbidities of long COVID.
• Supportive care: This involves providing psychological, emotional, or social support to the patient and their family or caregivers, to help them cope with the challenges and difficulties of living with long COVID.
• Rest: Adequate rest is crucial for managing fatigue, a common symptom of long COVID.
• Mental health support: Long COVID can have a significant impact on mental health, so seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial.

How Can Long COVID Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent long COVID is to prevent COVID-19 infection in the first place. This can be done by following the public health guidelines and recommendations, such as:

• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19: Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and its complications, including long COVID. According to the CDC, people who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and become infected may have a higher risk of developing long COVID compared to people who have been vaccinated¹.
• Wearing a mask or face covering: Wearing a mask or face covering can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that contain the virus that causes COVID-19, especially when you are in close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
• Practicing social distancing: Practicing social distancing means staying at least six feet away from others who are not from your household, especially when you are indoors or in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Washing your hands frequently: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help remove any germs or dirt that may carry the virus that causes COVID-19. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth: Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can help prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering your body through these mucous membranes.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces: Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, or phones, can help remove any traces of the virus that causes COVID-19 that may linger on these objects.
• Staying home when you are sick: Staying home when you are sick can help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 to others, and also allow you to rest and recover from your illness.

Conclusion

Long COVID is a complex condition with a wide range of symptoms and varying durations. While research is ongoing to better understand the causes and treatment options for long COVID, individuals experiencing persistent symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention and explore available management strategies.

If you are concerned that you may have long COVID, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor can help you rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

More Resources on Long COVID

Here are some external links that can provide more information on Long Covid symptoms:

1. National Institutes of Health: (NIH) Long COVID Information Center
2. Yale Medicine: Yale Medicine Family Health
3. CDC: Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions
4. Health: How Long Does COVID-19 Last?
5. Verywell Health: How Long Does Long COVID Last?