Long COVID

Long COVID refers to a range of persistent symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection has resolved. These symptoms often affect many different body systems and include extreme fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain and tachycardia, and musculoskeletal pain. Long COVID is frequently associated with the development of other conditions including ME/CFS, POTS, and people with hypermobility spectrum disorders or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome are more likely to develop long COVID after the initial infection.

Research suggests that Long COVID may affect between 10-30% of individuals who contract COVID-19, regardless of the severity of their initial illness. It can impact people of all ages and lead to significant disruptions in daily life, work, and social activities.

While research on effective treatment of Long COVID is still evolving, current recommendations highlight the need for a tailored whole of person approach, focusing on a variety of contributing factors that may influence symptoms. Many strategies used to manage ME/CFS and POTS are also helpful in treating Long COVID, though there is no one size fits all approach, and any treatment plan must be sensitive to the unique needs and capacity of each person.