Long COVID symptoms

Overview

Long COVID refers to symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks after acute infection. It affects roughly 5–10% of infected adults and can include fatigue, brain fog, exercise intolerance, and dysautonomia (POTS-like symptoms).

Symptoms to watch for

• Fatigue disproportionate to activity
• Brain fog and concentration issues
• Post-exertional malaise (crashing after activity)
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations, especially standing up
• Sleep disturbance
• Loss or distortion of taste/smell

What else could this be?

• Thyroid dysfunction
• Depression or anxiety
• Iron/B12/vitamin D deficiency
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
• POTS (postural tachycardia)

How it's diagnosed

Baseline labs (CBC, TSH, ferritin, B12, D, metabolic panel) to rule out other causes. Orthostatic vitals if POTS suspected.

Treatment

Pacing (activity management to avoid crashes), sleep optimization, treating orthostatic symptoms with hydration/salt/compression, and addressing any identified deficiency. Referral to long COVID clinics for severe cases.

Frequently asked