What are the most common symptoms?
Fatigue, significant worsening after exertion (post-exertional malaise/PEM), shortness of breath, palpitations, headache, sleep disturbances, “brain fog”, changes in smell and taste, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, and gastrointestinal complaints are among the frequently reported symptoms.
Is there a single test for diagnosis?
No. There is no single laboratory test that definitively confirms or rules out Long COVID. Evaluation is based on medical history, examination, and tests selected according to symptoms; anemia, thyroid diseases, cardiac or pulmonary problems, sleep disorders, and other causes are ruled out as needed.
Why is post-exertional malaise important?
In some people, even minor physical or mental exertion can lead to a significant increase in fatigue, pain, cognitive complaints, or other symptoms 12–48 hours later, and this worsening can last for days. In this situation, the standard “exercise more” approach may not be appropriate; the activity plan should be adjusted according to the person’s tolerance.
How is treatment planned?
Currently, there is no single approved treatment that eliminates Long COVID in its entirety. The goal is to identify the symptoms that cause the greatest loss of function, treat coexisting conditions, optimize sleep, nutrition, and hydration, and coordinate rehabilitation, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, or mental health support as needed.
Subtopics
- Long COVID and gastrointestinal symptoms
- Long COVID: cardiac and respiratory symptoms
- Long COVID: brain fog, sleep, and mental health symptoms
- Long COVID: skin and reproductive system symptoms
