COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes persist for months. The virus can damage the lungs, heart, and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems. Most people who have COVID-19 recover completely within a few weeks. Older people and people with many serious medical conditions are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms, but even young, otherwise healthy people can feel unwell for weeks to months after infection. People sometimes describe themselves as “long haulers” and the condition has been called post-COVID-19 syndrome or “long COVID-19.” The most common signs and symptoms that linger over time include: Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Cough, Joint pain, Chest pain. Other long-term signs and symptoms may include: Muscle pain or headache, Fast or pounding heartbeat, Loss of smell or taste, Memory, concentration or sleep problems, Rash, or hair loss.
