What is long COVID?

Long COVID is different from COVID-19. It is the term used to describe the symptoms some people may have months after their COVID infection. This website provides information about long COVID only. For information about COVID-19, check the Victorian government website.

Long COVID is a condition with many symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

woman with chest pain

chest pain

woman with headache

headache

shortness of breath

shortness of breath - long covid

difficulty sleeping

woman having diffculty sleeping

fatigue or exhaustion

woman feeling exhausted

anxiety or low mood

woman looking anxious or depressed

change in taste or smell

man cannot taste food

memory and concentration problems (brain fog)

man with brain fog trying to concentrate

Long COVID symptoms will vary from person to person. Symptoms may be worse in some people than others. People who were not very sick when they got COVID may still get long COVID. Most people with COVID-19 start feeling better after a few days or weeks. However, for some people, the symptoms can last up to a year or longer.

Long COVID can also increase the risk of serious health problems for at least 12 months after getting sick. This includes an increased risk of:

  • heart attacks, strokes, or heart inflammation

  • blood clots in the lungs or elsewhere

  • diabetes or worsened control of existing diabetes

  • lung fibrosis (scarring in the lungs) or other lung problems

  • kidney damage

  • severe mental health issues.

There is no single test to know for sure if you have long COVID. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

Scientists are still learning about long COVID and are working to understand more about how it happens, who is at risk, and what can be done to prevent and treat it.

Most people will recover from long COVID with time; how long it takes will be different for everyone.

For more information, take a look at these resources

long-term effects of COVID-19

Anyone who is infected with COVID-19 can develop long COVID. Long COVID is being studied by many experts around the world and our knowledge and understanding are growing. Current research shows that at least 1 in 20 people infected with COVID-19 may develop long COVID symptoms.

You can develop long COVID even if you were not unwell when you had COVID-19.

Studies have shown that long COVID is more likely to occur in people who:

  • are between 35 and 69 years old

  • are women

  • smoke

  • have not had the COVID-19 vaccine

  • have long-term health problems

  • are overweight

  • were very sick with COVID-19 and had to go to the hospital

  • have had COVID-19 more than once

If you have symptoms of long COVID, see your doctor. Your doctor may do tests and give you advice on how to manage your symptoms.Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if your symptoms are severe, last a long time, or make it hard for you to live your life.

Most long COVID symptoms can be handled at home and will go away on their own within a year. For a small group of people, symptoms might last up to two years. The goal of treatment for long COVID is to manage symptoms and any health problems that may come up. There is no one treatment that works for everyone.

Long COVID is not contagious (spread from person to person), even if you still have symptoms.

The best way you can protect yourself against long COVID is by not getting COVID-19.

Make sure you are up-to-date with vaccinations and follow the public health and social measures that can reduce your chances of getting infected and spreading the COVID-19 virus. As the World Health Organisation says: "Do it all!". This means:

  • Get vaccinated

  • Wear a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth

  • Let fresh air in when you meet other people

  • Stay home if you have COVID symptoms

  • Get tested

  • Ask your doctor about what medication you can get

For more information about protecting yourself against COVID-19, click here.

More resources (English only)

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  • Long COVID Fact Sheet - from the Victorian Department of Health. This fact sheet raises awareness of long COVID and encourages people to seek care from their doctor.

    Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - is from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This is a list of questions most people ask about long COVID. The WHO gives answers to each question.

    Signs and Symptoms of long COVID - this website is from NHS Scotland. You will find information about what long COVID is and how to manage symptoms.oes here

  • 3CR radio announcement - this a short radio announcement about the signs and symptoms of long COVID.

    Long-term effects of COVID - these audio recordings from the National Health Service (NHS) provide information about long COVID symptoms. There is a separate audio recording for each long Covid symptom, so they are very detailed.

    CEH community campaigns- Scroll down to Social Media Tiles and Information Flyers - there are many multilingual and Easy English flyers and tiles