What you need to know
- Long COVID describes a cluster of symptoms occurring after a COVID-19 infection that can range from mild to debilitating. These symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
- Anyone who gets infected with COVID-19 can develop long COVID, and unvaccinated people are at much greater risk.
- Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is an effective way to reduce your risk of long COVID.
Last week the Senate held its first hearing on long COVID, a range of symptoms that can last for months or even years after a COVID-19 infection. Nearly one in five U.S. adults who contract COVID-19 suffer from long COVID, and scientists still don’t fully understand the cause.
There is no known cure for long COVID, but we can take steps to prevent it: The latest research shows that staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines can dramatically reduce your risk of developing long COVID.
Read on to learn more about long COVID: what it is, who’s at risk, and how COVID-19 vaccines prevent it.
What is long COVID?
Long COVID is a cluster of symptoms that can develop after a COVID-19 infection and last for weeks, months, or years. Symptoms range from mild to debilitating and may include fatigue, chest pain, brain fog, dizziness, abdominal pain, joint pain, and changes in taste or smell.
Scientists still don’t know why some people develop long COVID. One possibility is that fragments of the virus linger in the body after infection, causing chronic inflammation. Another is that long COVID is an autoimmune disease triggered by a COVID-19 infection.
Currently, there is no known cure for long COVID. Patients can work with their health care providers to help manage individual symptoms.
Who’s at risk of developing long COVID?
Anyone who gets infected with COVID-19 is at risk of developing long COVID. The CDC estimates that nearly one in five U.S. adults who contract COVID-19 suffer from long COVID.
The latest research shows that unvaccinated people are much more likely to develop long COVID than people who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is an effective way to prevent long COVID.
Women are more likely than men to develop long COVID. People who experience health inequities—including people of color, people with lower incomes, and people with disabilities—may be more likely to develop long COVID and may face barriers to treatment.
How can I prevent long COVID?
Long COVID occurs after a COVID-19 infection, so protecting yourself from COVID-19 is the best way to prevent it. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines dramatically reduces the risk of developing long COVID.
Getting all your recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccines is your best protection and makes you less likely to experience long-term symptoms. The CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask also protects you from getting COVID-19, especially in crowded and indoor spaces. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection. Learn more about the types of masks and how to use them from the CDC.
At indoor gatherings, improving ventilation by opening doors and windows, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and building your own Corsi-Rosenthal box can also reduce the spread of COVID-19.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.