Understanding long COVID

While most people recover completely from COVID-19 within a few weeks, some find the symptoms last for 12 months or even longer. It’s called long COVID and experts are still learning about it.   Let’s dive into what we know about long COVID and what you can do if you find yourself struggling with prolonged effects of COVID-19.  

What is long COVID?  

That’s a surprisingly difficult question to answer. There’s no specific test for long COVID, and most cases are only diagnosed after doctors have ruled out other possibilities. The World Health Organisation defines long COVID as new or ongoing symptoms that appear three months after the initial COVID-19 infection and last for at least two months without any other explanation.  

In short, long COVID refers to people who don’t recover fully from COVID-19 and continue to have long-term symptoms. Although each case is unique, people recovering from more severe COVID-19 symptoms are likely to face a longer recovery period. However even people with mild or no symptoms when they were first diagnosed can get long COVID. A report from Australia’s parliamentary inquiry into long COVID, published in April 2023, suggested that between 2% and 20% of people may develop long COVID following an infection. 

How does long COVID occur?  

Once again, there’s no straightforward answer. Scientists don’t know for sure what causes long COVID, though according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, long COVID likely results from several overlapping biological processes involving both the virus and the person’s immune response. These can include:  

• Damage to tissues that haven’t healed properly 

• Continuous inflammation in the body 

• Persistence of parts of the virus in the body 

• The immune system attacking the body, similar to other viral infections 

• Changes in the bacteria in the gut. 

There are also other risk factors that influence a person’s risk of getting long COVID:  

• Vaccination: people who are vaccinated have a lower risk of developing long COVID. 

• COVID-19 variants: the risk of long COVID can vary with different COVID-19 variants. For instance, the Omicron variant is less likely to cause long COVID compared to the Delta variant. 

• Age and sex: Younger people and males are less likely to experience long COVID symptoms. 

• Pre-existing health conditions: people with underlying health issues like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and asthma have a higher risk of developing long COVID. 

Symptoms of long COVID 

Long COVID has many possible symptoms which vary from person to person. They can range from mild to severe and may be continuous or come and go. Some of the more common symptoms include:  

• Extreme fatigue 

• Shortness of breath 

• Changes in smell or taste 

• Joint and muscle pain 

• Headache 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Anxiety or depression. 

Many other symptoms have been reported for long COVID, such as reduced appetite, rashes, and mood changes. Sometimes, long COVID can lead to new chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and neurological disorders.  

While symptoms differ from person to person, long COVID is generally marked by persistent issues that can impact daily activities such as work and household chores. Therefore, treatment varies for each person depending on their symptoms.   

Long COVID treatment  

There’s no single treatment or medication for an illness like long COVID with so many different forms, and research is ongoing about the best ways to manage long COVID symptoms. Right now, people are treated with methods known to help those with post-viral illnesses or other chronic diseases with similar symptoms.   

Talking to your GP is the best place to start if you think you might have long COVID. They will help rule out other medical conditions that might be causing your symptoms. If no other conditions are found, your GP can help you create a plan to manage your symptoms. In some cases they might refer you to the appropriate specialist if you need extra support from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health professionals to help you return to your regular activities.  

Recovery time from long COVID varies. Generally, symptoms improve within a few months, but some symptoms go away more quickly than others. People who had severe COVID-19 infections, such as those needing hospitalisation or intensive care, often have a slower recovery and longer-lasting symptoms. Recovery may also take longer for those with other serious health conditions.   

How to avoid long COVID 

The best way to prevent long COVID is to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19 altogether.  

• Stay up to date with vaccinations. Research indicates a lower prevalence of long COVID with Omicron compared to Delta, especially in people who were double-vaccinated. 

• Test if you have COVID-19 symptoms. 

• Wear a mask in public spaces where physical distancing isn't possible. 

• Wash or sanitise your hands frequently. 

If you do get COVID-19, ask your GP whether you’re eligible for antiviral medication. Some studies suggest these can reduce the impact of the virus and may reduce the risk of long COVID.  

Feeling a under the weather? We offer a range of ways for members to access medical support without leaving the comfort of the couch:  

• Understand your symptoms fast with nib Symptom Checker. Just answer a few questions in a quick virtual health assessment and get guidance on when to seek medical attention based on the seriousness of your symptoms. 

• Book a GP telehealth appointment to get medical support over the phone. 

The information in this article is general information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Do not use the information found on this page as a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional healthcare provider.