Post-COVID Conditions

Symptoms of Post-COVID Conditions

Some people have new, returning, or lingering symptoms weeks or months after having COVID-19. This is referred to as post-COVID conditions, long COVID, long haul COVID, or other names. People with these conditions are sometimes called "long-haulers." Since July 2021, "long COVID," has been considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Anyone who had COVID-19 can develop post-COVID conditions, including people who had COVID-19 with no symptoms or very mild symptoms. It can happen to people in any age group but appears to be less common in children compared to adults.

Symptoms of post-COVID conditions can be different  from person to person but may include one or more of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental activities (also known as post-exertional malaise)
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as "brain fog")
• Cough
• Chest or stomach pain
• Headache
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
• Joint or muscle pain
• Pins-and-needles feeling
• Diarrhea
• Sleep problems
• Fever
• Dizziness on standing (lightheadedness)
• Rash
• Mood changes
• Change in smell or taste
• Changes in menstrual period cycles

The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is by preventing COVID-19. This includes getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster and wearing a face mask that has both good fit and good filtration, like an N95, KF94, or KN95.

To learn more about "long-COVID" or to find other resources, please visit the CDPH website.