For long COVID, there is currently no single test or proven treatment. If you are concerned about any lasting symptoms after a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 sickness don’t be afraid to ask for help. Checking in with your primary care provider is a good first step. If you have any of the following emergency warning signs, call 9-1-1 immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Tests may be ordered by health care providers to help explain symptoms or rule out other possible medical issues. They might also ask about your history of COVID-19 infection and any underlying medical conditions. Through rehabilitation treatments, drugs, and coordinated care, health care providers can assist with reducing or managing the symptoms of long COVID.

Our knowledge of long COVID is still limited, and treatment recommendations will certainly change as new information becomes available.

The best way to prevent long COVID and post-COVID conditions is to avoid getting infected or reinfected with the virus that causes COVID-19. The more steps you take to protect yourself, the safer you will be.

Vaccination is the best way to reduce your chances of infection. Visit Find HCPH COVID-19 vaccine sites to sign up for a free COVID-19 vaccine at a nearby clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or community site. 

Research suggests that people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines are less likely to report post-COVID conditions than people who are unvaccinated.

Because no single step on its own is perfect at preventing COVID-19, the safest thing to do is layer prevention measures when you can.

Check the CDC: COVID-19 Community Levels tool to see what is happening with COVID-19 in your area, and to determine what prevention measures are recommended for you.

COVID-19 can damage one or more organs. Some COVID-19 patients, especially those who experienced serious sickness, have been known to develop diabetes, heart disease, or neurological problems. There have also been reports of diseases that weaken the immune system.

People who experience serious sickness from COVID-19 and are sent to an intensive care unit (ICU) may experience more health problems when they return home, such as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Muscle weakness, issues with thinking and judgment, and signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all possible side effects. PTSD involves long-term reactions to a very stressful event.