Health Conditions
Long COVID
Long COVID or Post COVID-19 condition may occur in people who have had COVID-19 illness. This is where people may continue to have symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after they had the initial COVID-19 illness.
Groups of people who are more likely to experience Long COVID are:
- Those with severe COVID-19 illness, including being in hospital intensive care
- Those with pre-existing medical conditions like lung disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and a weakened immune system
- Older people
- Women
- Those who are unvaccinated
Symptoms of Long COVID
Long COVID can result in a wide range of ongoing health problems.
People experiencing Long COVID may find doing day-to-day activities, such as chores or work, difficult. There are many symptoms reported for Long COVID, some are listed below:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle and joint pain
- Memory difficulties
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
- Headaches
- Change in sense of taste or smell
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Stomach upset
- Rash
Preventing Long COVID
Being up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccination lowers the risk of getting severe COVID-19 illness. This then lowers the risk of getting Long COVID.
What to do if you think you have Long COVID symptoms
Book in and head to your local General Practitioner (GP) or Health Service if you think you have Long COVID symptoms after the infection. They can organise further testing and possibly make referrals to other specialists for further checks before a diagnosis of Long COVID can be concluded.
Your GP and other health providers would advise you on suitable treatments of Long COVID depending on the symptoms experienced.
Most people make a full recovery, but it may take time. Monitor your symptoms and seek help if you are not improving or if you need support. It can also be helpful to ask family and friends for support if you need it.
Support services
Short term support is available while people recover from long COVID. This may be food preparation and delivery, cleaning or help with other daily activities. Your health service may be able to link you with support services in the community.
Other supports and resources:
Lung Foundation Australia: Understanding Long COVID
RACGP: Patient resource: Managing post-COVID-19 symptoms
Healthdirect: Long COVID and post-COVID symptoms
WellMob: Coping and caring for yourself our way
Australian Government Department of Health | What you need to know about COVID-19
Long COVID - Social Media Tile 1
Long COVID - Social Media Tile 2