From the Guidelines
The long-term effects of COVID-19 can be severe and debilitating, with some patients experiencing persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive problems, and cardiovascular issues for months or even years after the initial infection, as reported in a 2023 study published in Nature Reviews Microbiology 1. The long-term effects of COVID-19 can vary widely, but some common issues include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Cognitive problems (brain fog)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Mood changes like anxiety or depression These symptoms can persist for months or even years after the initial infection in what's known as "long COVID." Some people may experience ongoing respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, or neurological symptoms, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing dozens of symptoms across multiple organ systems, as documented in a 2023 study published in Nature Reviews Microbiology 1. The severity and duration of these effects can differ greatly between individuals, with risk factors potentially including female sex, type 2 diabetes, and certain ethnicities, such as people with Hispanic or Latino heritage, as reported in a 2023 study published in Nature Reviews Microbiology 1. To manage long-term effects:
- Seek medical care for persistent symptoms, as early intervention can help alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes, as suggested by a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and gentle exercise as tolerated
- Get adequate rest and practice stress management techniques
- Consider physical therapy or occupational therapy if recommended by your doctor The exact mechanisms behind long COVID are still being studied, but they may involve persistent inflammation, autoimmune reactions, or virus-induced damage to various organ systems, with several hypotheses suggested, including persisting reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 in tissues and immune dysregulation, as reported in a 2023 study published in Nature Reviews Microbiology 1.
From the Research
Long-term Effects of COVID-19
The long-term effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be severe and persistent, affecting multiple organs and systems in the body. Some of the common long-term effects of COVID-19 include:
- Fatigue 2, 3, 4, 5
- Dyspnea 2, 3, 5
- Cardiac abnormalities 2, 3, 4
- Cognitive impairment 2, 3
- Sleep disturbances 2
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder 2
- Muscle pain 2
- Concentration problems 2
- Headache 2, 5
Organ-Specific Sequelae
The long-term effects of COVID-19 can affect various organs and systems, including:
- Respiratory system 2, 3, 4, 6
- Cardiovascular system 2, 3, 4, 6
- Neurological system 2, 3, 4, 6
- Gastrointestinal system 2, 3, 4, 6
- Musculoskeletal system 2, 6
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing long-term effects of COVID-19, including:
- Older age (≥65 years) 4
- Female sex 4
- Black or Asian race 4
- Hispanic ethnicity 4
- Presence of comorbidities 4
Management and Prevention
Interdisciplinary monitoring and holistic management, including nutrition, physical therapy, psychological management, meditation, and mindfulness, can help prevent long-term systemic damage and manage the long-term effects of COVID-19 3. Vaccination against COVID-19 can also help prevent long-term effects 3.