​Post-COVID conditions are a range of new, returning, or lingering symptoms that usually happen weeks to months after having COVID-19. While most people with COVID-19 recover in a few days or weeks, some people may experience ongoing symptoms, commonly known as long COVID. 

​Common symptoms may include any combination of*: 

​The cause(s) of post-COVID conditions is still unknown. Research is ongoing to understand what causes post-COVID conditions. Existing studies suggest that there are various viral factors, immune system responses, and risk factors that may lead to post-Covid conditions. There is some evidence that some people with long COVID may have conditions similar to Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) or Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). 

​The exact number of people who develop a post-COVID condition after infection is still unknown. Research is ongoing to understand how many people are affected. Some estimates suggest that 10-25% of people who had COVID may develop a post-COVID condition. 

​People of any age (children, teens, or adults) can get post-COVID conditions after having COVID-19. People who had mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 illness can develop post-COVID conditions. People who are older, obese, female, or who have underlying health conditions (co-morbidities) like Type 2 Diabetes or asthma, may have higher risks of developing post-COVID conditions. 

​Seek medical care for post-COVID conditions if you have a fever over 100.4 F, if you cannot take care of your symptoms at home, and/or if you are not recovering from your initial COVID-19 illness. In general, it's important to talk to a medical provider when your symptoms make your daily life harder, for example, if you can't focus, sleep, or do your normal activities. Since many symptoms of post-COVID conditions are like symptoms of other diseases, it is also important to see a medical provider to rule out other illnesses.  

​No, there is no specific test to diagnose post-COVID conditions yet. However, a health care provider can diagnose you after asking about your symptoms, examining you, and ruling out other conditions.  

​Healthcare providers can get current information on post-COVID conditions, or "long COVID," from the following sources:

• Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID)​ (ca.gov)
• Post-COVID Conditions: Information for Healthcare Providers​ (cdc.gov)
• Post-COVID Conditions: CDC Science (cdc.gov)
• Long COVID (nih.gov)​​​​​​

​​The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to prevent COVID-19 infection in the first place. You can prevent COVID-19 by: 

​Yes, MIS is a condition that can happen after COVID-19. Symptoms of MIS can involve multiple organ systems. Learn more about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A). 

​Yes, researchers are currently studying post-COVID conditions. One large study, called RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) was launched by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to better understand post-COVID conditions. You can learn more about the trial, including how you can join, at the RECOVER webpage. You can also learn about other studies for people who have had COVID-19 on the NIH Clinical Trials webpage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also partnering with states and other institutions to research long-term effects of COVID-19. 

​Yes, post-COVID conditions can qualify as a disability under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557 if they are substantially limiting one or more major life activities. Physical and mental impairments from post-COVID conditions may be considered disability. An individual assessment is necessary in each case.  

​Students with a post-COVID condition may be eligible for educational accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  Accommodations could include more time for taking tests for a student who has difficulty concentrating or more time for assignments for a student with fatigue. Talk to the appropriate school official about accommodations to make learning more manageable. There may be a form your healthcare provider can fill out.