What is Long COVID?
If you have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, you may experience long-term effects from the infection, known as Long COVID. Open Medicine Foundation conducts critical research to help people like you.
10% to 30%
of people who had COVID-19 experience Long Covid symptoms
Up to 180 million
people worldwide affected with Long COVID
Tremendous worldwide economic impact
Unmeasurable at this time.
Long COVID affects
men, women and
children too.
Long COVID: Millions are still sick
Long COVID presents with a wide array of symptoms after first being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. According to the CDC, Long COVID can last weeks, months, or years.
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways, ranging from mild symptoms to severe debilitating disease.
Millions are still sick, and they are waiting for answers.
Jump to
Anywhere from 10% to 30% of people who had COVID-19 have lingering symptoms
fatigue muscle aches dysautonomia sleep disturbances brain fog
“…Anywhere from 10% to 30%—or more—have lingering symptoms well beyond what you would expect from any post-viral syndrome like influenza and others. It’s fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, dysautonomia, sleep disturbances, and what people refer to as brain fog.”
Anthony S. Fauci, MD.
Symptoms
Routine blood tests, chest x-rays, and electrocardiograms may be normal in patients with Long COVID. The CDC describes the symptoms as similar to those reported by people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and other multi-system chronic complex diseases (msCCD).
These unexplained symptoms may be misunderstood by healthcare providers, which causes a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
General Symptoms
Tiredness or fatigue
Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort
Fever
Neurological Symptoms
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Headache
Sleep problems
Lightheadedness
Pins-and-needles feelings
Change in smell or taste
Depression or anxiety
Digestive Symptoms
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Respiratory and Heart Symptoms
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough
Chest pain
Fast-beating or pounding heart
Other Symptoms
Joint or muscle pain
Rash
Changes in menstrual cycles
And more...
Diagnosis
There is no specific test to diagnose Long COVID, so doctors usually consider a diagnosis of Long COVID based on health history, current symptoms, and a health examination.
There is no cure for COVID-19. Some people improve over time, but others have Long COVID for months or years, which can result in disability.
OMF has already begun
a large-scale international study
Solely funded by private donors
We knew this was coming! Back at the beginning of the pandemic, OMF secured a $1 million grant to launch the first year of a three-year international study to follow and study those with COVID-19 as they either return to health or remain with symptoms months after being infected. The purpose was to learn what is different in people who stay ill. This project is being conducted across the globe at our OMF-supported Collaborative Research Centers, spearheaded by some of the world’s top researchers and ME/CFS experts.
We are actively working to raise additional funds for this critical study to continue. We all need this research now. We need your help today so that millions can return to health tomorrow.
Download the
ME/CFS and Long COVID fact sheet
Perfect for printing and sharing with your doctor or personal community.
Support OMF
Support Open Medicine Foundation’s quest to find effective treatments and diagnostic tests for the millions of people affected by these devastating diseases!
Information about Long COVID provided from:
- CDC: Center for Disease Control
- THE LONG COVID ALLIANCE
- THE SOLVE LONG COVID INITIATIVE
Articles linking Long COVID to ME/CFS”
Post-COVID Fatigue, Exercise Intolerance Signal ME/CFS
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Donate your appreciated stock directly to OMF and you can receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer (even if you originally paid much less for them).